A 40-year-old Ottawa man has been charged with multiple criminal offenses in connection with a tragic collision that occurred last December on Highway 7, resulting in the death of a 10-year-old child.
Details of the Crash
The incident took place in the Drummond-North Elmsley Township area when a pickup truck carrying three occupants struck a marked Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. The child, who was inside the truck, was airlifted to a trauma center via Air Ornge but succumbed to injuries the following day. Two other individuals in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were treated at local hospitals.
Charges Filed
Following a thorough investigation, Matthew Bigras, a resident of Ottawa, has been charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, and impaired driving causing death. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on August 24.
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage related to the crash who has not yet spoken to investigators to contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122, referencing incident number E251673466.
Community Impact
The fatal collision has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired and dangerous driving. The OPP continues to emphasize the importance of road safety and responsible driving behavior.
