Update: RCMP lays charges in fatal pedestrian-vehicle hit and run

May 29, 2017
North Sydney, Nova Scotia

News release

On March 11, a 54-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while on Hwy. 125. He had been flagging motorists for help near Exit 8, Mira Road, in Cape Breton County.

RCMP Cape Breton Traffic Services has conducted an extensive investigation and has arrested a 26-year-old Sydney man for the incident.

Thomas Joseph Smith is facing the following charges:

  • Failure to Stop at the Scene of a Fatal Collision
  • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death
  • Criminal Negligence Causing Death (Text Messaging While Operating Motor Vehicle)
  • Operating a Motor Vehicle While Disqualified

Smith was arrested on May 26 and has been held in custody. He appeared in Sydney Provincial Court today and all matters were adjourned to June 1.

Two more individuals have been arrested and released on conditions for Accessory After the Fact in relation to this incident. The RCMP expects to make more arrests later this week.

–30–

Contact information

Cpl. Jennifer Clarke
Media Relations Officer
Nova Scotia RCMP
Office: 902 720-5652
Cell: 902 222 0154
jennifer.clarke@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Date modified: