Driver in crash that sent mother, 2 children to hospital in Brampton is on province-wide driving ban: police

The man accused of causing a hit-and-run crash that sent a mother and two children to hospital and killed their family dog is on a province-wide driving ban.

Peel Regional Police have arrested Gurpreet Hehar and laid over a dozen charges against the 40-year-old man following a hit-and-run crash in Brampton earlier this month that left Samantha Ritchie and her two children with extensive injuries.

But the man accused of causing the crash is under a province-wide driving prohibition for multiple previous offences, including impaired driving, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for police.

“The absolute disregard for the law threatened the life of every person on that road,” Inspector Wendy Sims with PRP Road Safety Services said of the crash on Aug. 3 when Hehar allegedly crashed a stolen 2016 Dodge Ram pick-up truck at the intersection of Airport Road and Clark Boulevard in Brampton.

Ritchie, a single mother on her way home with the family dog and her 8- and 12-year-old children, was parked at a red light when the crash happened. Police said four vehicles were involved in the crash and six people including Ritchie and her two children were rushed to hospital.

The driver of the stolen pick-up took off on foot after the crash, and while no people died, the family’s dog was killed.

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Hehar is now facing over a dozen charges including four counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm, five counts of operating while prohibited, and two counts of fail to remain.

Police say his past convictions include dangerous operation, flight while pursued by a peace officer, taking a motor vehicle without consent, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

“Although this started with what is seen as a property crime, with a vehicle being stolen; it led to this gravely unfortunate situation that has altered the lives and well-being of a family in our community,” said Sims.

Richie’s cousin Dana Doyle said the family suffered extensive injuries in the crash, and that 8-year-old Nixon is in a medically induced coma.

“They have all undergone surgeries, and there are likely more to come. Tragically their beloved rescue dog Finnegan did not survive the crash,” reads a GoFundMe page started by Doyle to raise funds for the family’s medical expenses. The fundraiser has collected over $40,700 of a $50,000 goal as of Friday morning (Aug. 18).

Doyle said in an email to Insauga.com that Richie’s family “is also deeply touched by the outpouring of support” in what has been a “very shocking and difficult time.”