A tow truck driver was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in Parksville on Tuesday.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., on January 11th, BC Highway Patrol Parksville received reports of a tow truck driver being struck by a vehicle which then fled the scene.
The incident occurred on Highway 19 near Rumming Road, north of Lantzville, where repairs were underway following recent winter storms that damaged parts of the highway.
A number of damaged vehicles were parked on the shoulder of the highway, waiting to be towed by the tow operator.
As the tow truck driver worked he was struck by a green Dodge Caravan.
According to witnesses, the vehicle fled the scene after striking the driver. Thankfully, they were able to provide a licence plate for the van which was located by officers approximately 30 minutes later in Nanoose Bay.
The vehicle was found parked along a road with a man behind the wheel.
It was quickly determined the man was impaired by alcohol. He was arrested and taken to the BCHP officer where he provided breath samples. His results indicated he was three times over the legal limit.
The man is facing potential charges of impaired driving causing bodily harm and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
He remains in custody at this time. The vehicle was seized and will undergo a forensic examination.
The tow truck driver sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries.
Anyone with information regarding this collision, including dashboard camera footage, is asked to contact BC Highway Patrol in Parksville at 250 954 2953.
