News Release
Official News Release
AbbyPD Major Crime detectives have completed a lengthy investigation into a collision that occurred in September of 2020 that left a 59-year-old Abbotsford resident with life altering injuries. A suspect was identified, and criminal charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Service.
On September 29, 2020, Abbotsford emergency services were called to the West Oaks parking lot at 32500 South Fraser Way for a report of a hit-and-run that left the victim, a 59-year-old Abbotsford woman, with serious, life-altering injuries.
In October 2020, detectives released a composite drawing and a suspect was identified a few weeks later.
In November 2020, Major Crime detectives arrested the suspect and submitted their investigation to the BC Prosecution Service for review.
Abbotsford resident, 77-year-old Jos Boulay has been charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in bodily harm; he will be appearing in court in Abbotsford.
We would like to take this time to thank the community for their tips and calls which assisted in this investigation.
2020-38957
FOURTH RELEASE – November 18, 2020
UPDATE- Hit and run investigation in West Oaks Mall parking lot on September 29, 2020
AbbyPD wishes to thank the public for the many tips and video received in relation to the September 29th hit and run collision in the West Oaks Mall parking lot.
Major Crime Unit detectives now believe then have identified the van and driver involved in this incident. Charges are pending; an update will be provided at a later date.
At this time, we ask that the public refrain from sending in further tips and video regarding this investigation. Should detectives require additional public assistance, an update to this release will be issued.
Once again, we thank the public for the information previously submitted.
THIRD RELEASE – October 16, 2021
AbbyPD Major Crime Unit releases composite sketch of suspect in serious hit and run
Abbotsford Police Major Crime Detectives have released a composite sketch of the man they suspect was the driver involved in a recent hit and run incident in the West Oaks Mall parking lot. The collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian has left the victim, a 59-year-old Abbotsford woman, with serious, life-altering injuries.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2020 at approximately 7 pm. The victim was struck and seriously injured as she crossed at the pedestrian crosswalk in front of London Drugs.
The driver stopped, got out and spoke to people in the area. He then got back into his vehicle, leaving the victim to be tended to by passersby. It is believed that the driver parked nearby in the parking lot for a short time, but ultimately fled without providing assistance to the victim.
The victim’s daughter’s Nicole and Amber state, “It has now been over 2 weeks since the hit and run occurred. We can’t imagine how anyone could live with themselves, for this long, knowing that they have not only severely injured someone but greatly affected the life of their family and friends. If anyone has any suspicions at all, even if they aren’t 100% sure, please contact the AbbyPD!
Our Mom has been moved to the Abbotsford hospital for the remainder of her healing. Her condition has improved, however some of her injuries will severely impact her quality of life. We are especially concerned about her vision as she is already deaf.
Thank you all for the kind words and support. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers!”
The suspect vehicle is a late model, gray Dodge Caravan. The driver is approximately 5’6” to 5’10” tall, with gray or sandy coloured hair, between 50 and 60 years old, with a medium build. At the time of the incident, he was unshaven and was wearing tan pants.
Anyone with any information that would help police track down this driver is urged to call the Abbotsford Police at 604-859-5225.
SECOND RELEASE – OCTOBER 6, 2020
Driver and Vehicle description to hit and run collision on Sept 29
AbbyPD Detectives have spoken with numerous witnesses, viewed CCTV footage and have a strong description of the suspect and vehicle.
The driver is described as: approximately 5’6” to 5’10”, 50-60 yrs old, medium build, unshaven at the time, wearing tan pants. Detective Tyler Gump states, “We have a strong description of the vehicle. It’s just a matter of time before we identify the driver. We are asking the driver to do the right thing and come speak with investigators”.
As the investigation moves forward, AbbyPD is requesting any additional drivers with dash cam footage from Sept. 29, 2020 between 6:50 pm -8:00 pm: in the West Oaks parking lot, along South Fraser Way between Canadian Tire and Gladwin Rd, along Emerson St. and Simon Ave, to call police.
The victim remains in critical but stable condition in hospital.
Original Release – September 30
AbbyPD seek Hit-and-Run driver
On Sept. 29, 2020 at 7:05 pm, Abbotsford Emergency Services were called to West Oaks Mall for the report of a hit and run involving a 59-year-old pedestrian. The vehicle involved was seen briefly stopping before leaving the scene. The pedestrian is currently in critical but stable condition at Vancouver General Hospital.
AbbyPD is asking for the driver of the vehicle, who is aware of what occurred, to do the right thing and come forward and speak with the investigators.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, who stopped to render assistance, or who may have dash cam video of the West Oaks Mall parking lot between 6:50 pm and 7:10 pm on September 29th, is asked to contact AbbyPD at 604-859-5225 or to text the Department at 22973 (abbypd).
AbbyPD file 2020-38957
Sgt Judy Bird
Abbotsford Police Media Relations Officer
[email protected]