25-year-old Drake Reynes has been charged in a major hit-and-run incident that left a 20-year-old University of Victoria student in a coma this summer.
On July 15th at approximately 6:30 a.m., Reynes crashed his blue Dodge Caravan into a Yamaha scooter and a Honda Civic that were both heading west on Mckenzie Avenue near Shelbourne Street.
See also: 20-year-old woman in critical condition following hit-and-run in Saanich Monday morning
After colliding with the two vehicles, the 25-year-old Dodge Caravan driver continued to drive east on McKenzie Avenue, when he then struck a telephone pole near the intersection near Larchwood Drive and thereby attempted to flee on foot.
Police were able to locate and arrest him a short distance away.
As of September 20th, four Criminal Code charges were sworn in against Reynes, including:
- impaired driving causing bodily harm,
- operate vehicle with over .08 alcohol in body causing bodily harm,
- Dangerous riving causing bodily harm,and
- Operate conveyance (vehicle) that was involved in an accident with another conveyance, and knowing that , or being reckless as to whether that accident resulted in bodily harm and failed to stop their conveyance and give their name and address and offer assistance to any person who was injured or appeared to require assistance.
“This was a significant crash that has caused serious injuries to the driver of the scooter,” stated Kowalewich,” said Saanich Police Sgt. Damian Kowalewich in a statement. “It is also noted that another driver was injured and suffered non-life threatening injuries.”
Reynes is expected to appear in court sometime next week.
Aisha Strange remains in a coma
Meanwhile, the latest update from the family of Aisha Strange, the 20-year-old scooter driver who was hit by the minivan is that she remains in a medically induced coma as of September 8th.
Strange suffered critical injuries from the hit-and-run and a GoFundMe page was set up to assist her family during this difficult time.
See also: 20-year-old UVic student remains in coma after hit-and-run in Saanich
On August 1st, her family issued a statement to media confirming that Strange sustained multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury that will impact her short and long-term future in unknowable ways.
She is a student at the University of Victoria studying political science and anthropology and has plans of one day going to law school or further pursuing her love of teaching.
