DERBY — Derby Patrol Commander Sean Selby announced today that U.S. Customs and Border Protection located a commercial vehicle that was possibly involved in the fatal hit-and-run accident that took place in the Eastern Townships of Quebec on Tuesday.
The driver, who was trying to enter the U.S. at the Beecher Falls port of entry, cooperated with the investigation by returning to Canada where he met with Canadian Law Enforcement.
The Sûreté du Québec have said that the truck driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time, and that there is a good possibility that he was not even aware that the tractor-trailer had struck the victim.
The tragedy occurred at around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, on Route 253 in the small town of Saint-Malo. The body of Anthony Labranche, 19, from Saint-Isidore-de-Clifton, was found lying in the street, following the accident.
According to reports, Labranche and a group of his friends had left a car parked in town, and were planning to walk back following a party. It is suspected that Labranche was trying to cross the road when he was struck by the truck.
In the coming days investigators will continue their efforts to complete the investigation and possibly submit an application to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, who will decide whether criminal charges will be brought against the driver.
The name of the driver is not being released, but he is described as being in his 50s
The investigation to locate the driver was a joint effort between Vermont Law Enforcement Agencies and the Canadian Authorities, along with U.S. and Canadian Customs.
