Man charged in hit-and-run crash that killed Vancouver Island teen

The outside of the courthouse in Duncan, B.C., is shown in this undated file photo. (Paul Doroshenko/Provincial Court of British Columbia)

A Vancouver Island man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a teenager near Duncan, B.C., earlier this year.

Mounties announced in a statement Tuesday that 28-year-old Ryan Mesa has been charged with one count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death following the April collision that killed a 17-year-old girl.

The Cowichan Valley man is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 15, the statement said.

Police were called to the Trans-Canada Highway between Green Road and Beverly Street just before 10 p.m. on April 18, where the victim, identified as a member of the Cowichan Tribes, was found dead.

Investigators launched a search for the suspect vehicle, described at the time as a grey Hyundai Elantra from the years 2011 to 2013, and appealed to the driver to surrender to authorities.

Police said the vehicle would likely have "significant damage" to its driver-side front end following the impact with the pedestrian.

Eight days later, the RCMP announced that a suspect vehicle had been located and examined by investigators.

Police did not confirm at that time whether a suspect had been identified or arrested, saying only that "officers are continuing to work tirelessly to advance the investigation."

Charge is 'small comfort'

The Trans-Canada Highway was closed for several hours into the morning following the crash as investigators gathered forensic evidence in an effort to track down the driver.

Chief Cindy Daniels of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nation in B.C., says the community is still mourning the death of the 17-year-old member months later.

"Nothing can bring this youth back to her family and friends, and my heart goes out to them during this painful time," Daniels said in a statement following the announcement of the hit-and-run charge.

"I am pleased to hear that a criminal charge has been laid," she added. "This step is a small comfort in the face of tragedy."