2 teen pedestrians dead after being struck by alleged impaired driver

Two pedestrians have died and a third was seriously injured after an alleged impaired driver struck them in Scarborough on Sunday evening.

On December 22 at 6:34 pm, police received a report of three pedestrians who were struck, east of the intersection at Progress Avenue and Markham Road.

Police say a man was operating a 2014 Mazda, eastbound on Progress Avenue, “at a high rate of speed.”

According to police, the driver travelled through the intersection and lost control of the vehicle, which then mounted the sidewalk, struck a guardrail, and then three pedestrians, who were on the south sidewalk.

Police said the vehicle flipped as a result of the collision and the pedestrians were thrown from the car and they were lying on the roadway.

All three pedestrians were transported to hospitals, where two 19-year-old men were later pronounced deceased.

Police say the third pedestrian remains in serious, but non-life-threatening condition.

COLLISION:
Markham Rd + Progress Av
– Car flipped
– Passengers thrown from car
– Lying on roadway
– Both have serious injuries
– Police o/s
– EMS rushed
– Officers will assist with emergency run
– Roads will be closed#GO2465949
^dh

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) December 22, 2019

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As a result of the incident, 40-year-old Michael Johnson of Pickering was arrested at the scene and charged with:

1. Two counts of Operation of a Conveyance Causing Death while Impaired to any Degree
2. Two counts of Operation of a Conveyance Causing Death Exceed Blood Alcohol
3. Two counts of Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance Causing Death
4. Operation of a Conveyance while Impaired Causing Bodily Harm
5. Operation of a Conveyance Impaired Causing Bodily Harm Exceed Blood Alcohol
6. Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance Cause Bodily Harm

Police said the driver was over 80 mgs.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, December 23.

Police are asking local residents, businesses, and drivers, who may have security or dash-camera footage of the area or incident, to contact investigators.

Additionally, anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online.

COLLISION:
Markham Rd + Progress Av
– Victims taken to hospital
– Injuries are life threatening
– 1 driver arrested for Over 80 mgs
– Investigating
^dh

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) December 23, 2019