Motorcyclist arrested after boy, 4, critically injured in hit-and-run

Toronto police say a motorcyclist involved in a collision that left a 4-year-old boy with critical injuries has turned himself in.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on Monday around 1:45 p.m. and a 2016 Harley Davidson Road Glide Motorcycle was seized.

The man is being charged with leaving an accident scene causing bodily harm, driving a motor vehicle with an improper license and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

Sgt. Brett Moore says after a crash occurs, the expectation is that those involved do the right thing and cooperate to the fullest extent legally required.

“Taking off from the scene of a crash usually is a guilty mind, there’s something going on in the background — that’s quite often the case,” he told reporters. “In this case there are a couple of highway traffic offences that are involved. But nothing really good comes from fleeing the scene of a crash.”

Investigators say the man’s name is not being released in order to “protect the integrity of the investigation.”

Sgt. Moore tells CityNews a female passenger who was seen leaving the scene on foot remains an “active part” of the investigation and is a person of interest. Police have identified her and believe they know who she is, but she is not currently facing any charges. Sgt. Moore says police will seek advice from a city crown attorney, but it is unclear if charges will be laid against her in the future.

A 31-y/o motorcycle driver has surrendered to police in Markham after he allegedly ran over and injured a 4-y/o boy in Scarborough, Sunday afternoon, then fleeing the scene. Toronto Police Sgt Brett Moore could not say for sure if the woman passenger could be charged. @680NEWS pic.twitter.com/5vxQD1pkqZ

— Mark Douglas (@DouglasCityNews) May 27, 2019

In a video posted on Twitter Sgt. Moore thanked the public for their “outpouring of concern and cooperation.” He says investigators received 32 tips over 24 hours and “tons” of security video as police canvassed the area.

Arrest made in hit and run involving 4 yr old boy. 32 tips and many calls about video. #CommunityPolicing works ^bm https://t.co/zxnjNDIoa5

— TPS Traffic Services (@TrafficServices) May 27, 2019

Police were called to Victoria Park Avenue and Adair Road near St. Clair Avenue East around 1:30 p.m. Sunday for a collision.

They say a motorcycle was travelling north on Victoria Park, north of St. Clair Avenue East, when the boy stepped onto the road and was struck by the motorcycle. He was dragged for some distance and suffered very severe injuries.

At the time, the motorcyclist involved and a female passenger both fled the scene.

Police spokeswoman Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook says the hospital initially told officers that the boy had died, but they were later informed by “other sources” that he was still alive. He remains in life-threatening condition.

Anyone with additional security or dash camera video or any other information is asked to contact police.