Driver of Tesla who allegedly fled the scene of fatal Pattullo Bridge crash was arrested and released
A driver accused of racing his Tesla on the Pattullo Bridge, resulting in a fatal collision last month, is being sued by the B.C. director of civil forfeiture.
A notice of civil claim was filed in B.C. Supreme Court earlier this week, identifying a Surrey man as the registered owner and primary driver of a 2022 Tesla Model Y.
The man has not been charged in connection with the crash. The allegations in the civil suit have also not yet been tested in court.
The claim stated that on Feb. 14, that man was behind the wheel of the Tesla and “racing with, or in the alternative travelling with, a Nissan Altima” at “excessive speeds” on the Pattullo Bridge, going northbound.
It states that the Nissan collided with a commercial vehicle, leaving three people dead and one with serious injuries.
Previous dashcam video from the semi-truck at the scene of the fatal crash shows moments leading up to the terrifying incident. The driver of the semi-trailer truck was unhurt and remained at the scene.
According to the court documents, the Tesla fled the scene of the collision and the Tesla driver was arrested by the Surrey Police Service (SPS) on Feb. 26.
Surrey RCMP impounded his vehicle the same day, added the notice of civil claim.
In a statement to Daily Hive, the SPS confirmed ” the arrest and subsequent release of an individual related to this tragic, fatal crash.”
“As the investigation is continuing and extremely consequential, we will not be providing further details about the individual or the charge recommendations that will ultimately be assessed by BC Prosecution Service,” said SPS spokesperson Ian MacDonald.
“Diligent work by police – Surrey Police Service, RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit and Criminal Collision Investigation Team – and the assistance of witnesses have advanced the investigation.”
The filing also states that the director of civil forfeiture is pursuing the vehicle and its proceeds to be forfeited to the government.
“If the vehicle, or proceeds from the sale of the vehicle, are released to the defendants, they will likely be used for the unlawful activity,” reads the claim.