A 28 year-old man appeared in court Monday facing two charges of reckless driving causing bodily harm, after losing control of his vehicle and hitting 2 pedestrians in
Montreal’s Saint-Laurent borough on Sunday afternoon.
The suspect, Keith Joseph Stephan, was released until his next court appearance but he will have to abide to certain conditions.
“Among others, not to drive any vehicles in Canada during the procedures and also some amount of money that will be deposited by his father,” said Crown prosecutor François Giasson.
Stephan will have to give up his driver’s licence and cannot contact the two victims.
According to Montreal police, the crash happened when the car exited a parking lot along Côte-de-Liesse Road, near Hébert Street.
The 28-year-old driver began heading west until he skidded and veered off the road for some reason still unknown, hitting a 19-year-old woman on the sidewalk.
The vehicle kept moving until it hit a street lamp, which fell to the ground, injuring a 23-year-old man who was also on the sidewalk.
Police say both victims were taken to hospital, along with multiple witnesses in shock.
“The man aged of 23 years old was confirmed out of danger. Concerning the woman of 19 years old, she’s still in a critical condition but stable at the hospital,” SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant said.
The event happened during a car meet organized by Porsche.
The dealership did not respond to Global News’ request for comment.
Police say that type of event has become popular in Montreal. Officers are usually present on site and the events are usually peaceful.
“Sometimes they do a show, they try to prove themselves and accidents could occur,” Brabant explained.
CAA Québec says such events should be held in designated places.
“There are specific places to do that such as tracks,” said David Marcille, a spokesperson for CAA Québec.
“Public spaces definitely are not a place where you should be speeding to impress the crowd.”
Police agree.
Brabant says you can show off your car without acting recklessly which can lead to tragic consequences.
The suspect is set to appear in court again Nov. 1.
— With files From The Canadian Press