By MICHAEL STAPLES
A soldier from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown is in serious condition at a Thunder Bay, Ont., hospital after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident last week.
Twenty-year-old Richard Piekarczyk-Vacca, a member of the 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4ESR) at Gagetown, suffered serious head injuries in the incident and is a patient at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Piekarczyk-Vacca was struck by a vehicle as he walked along the 200 block of Secord Street in the early morning hours of March 24.
The driver fled the scene.
The Thunder Bay Police Service announced Tuesday that investigators had made an arrest in connection with the incident.
Steven Jamie Torkkelli, 28, has been charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and obstruction of a peace officer.
"Investigators through tips and evidence and through information received was able to identify a suspect," Chris Adams, an executive officer with the Thunder Bay Police Service, said Tuesday.
"This individual was arrested last night (Monday), just before 5 p.m."
A 2003 Ford F150 was seized for further examination.
"As with any investigation, the laying of the charges is sometimes not the end of the investigation (and) there's still followup to be done," Adams said. "At this point, the most important aspects have been covered."
According to reports, Piekarczyk-Vacca, originally from Hamilton, was visiting his girlfriend in Thunder Bay when the incident occurred.
The victim's family has reportedly travelled to Thunder Bay to be with him.
Gagetown public affairs officer Capt. Jamie Donovan said the base's thoughts are with Piekarczyk-Vacca and his family at this time and they wish him a full and speedy recovery.
"The health and morale of our soldiers is our primary concern and we will provide whatever support is required," Donovan said.
