There are still no suspects in the Coquitlam hit-and-run accident on July 30 that seriously injured cyclist Bruce Rickman, but there is now a suspect vehicle.
The Coquitlam RCMP announced Friday that it is seeking a 2007 or 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with an “access” or “double” cab and black sideview mirrors. At the time of the accident, the truck had a dark plastic bug deflector on the hood and an after-market canopy.
Cpl. Quentin Frewing, a spokesperson for the Coquitlam RCMP, told reporters that investigators had determined the make and model of the suspect vehicle based on the cracked sideview mirror that broke off during the collision and was left behind, as well as interviews with witnesses.
Members of the public who know someone who owns a truck meeting the RCMP’s description that is either missing a passenger-side mirror or recently had one replaced are asked to call 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2014-21316.
The same goes for trucks with damaged or recently replaced bug deflectors and trucks that used to have canopies and no longer do.
Frewing said that he’s never been involved in a major hit-and-run investigation that didn’t find the driver, and he had a message for the driver in this case:
“It’s just a matter of time before we know who you are,” he said. “So do the right thing, and come in.”
Frewing’s request echoes those of Rickman’s family and friends in the days after the collision on the Mary Hill Bypass. Rickman’s wife Twyla made an emotional plea to the driver at a press conference after the accident.
“For your on conscious’ sake, please come forward,” she said at the time.
On Friday, Rickman’s family was not available for comment, but Frewing had an update on his status.
“He is set to be released from the ICU,” Frewing said. “That’s all I can say at this time.”
