The cyclist involved in a recent hit and run on Algoma Street South has died, police confirmed Thursday afternoon.
Richard Terrance Vrastak, 38, of Thunder Bay died from injuries he sustained from the collision that took place in the 200 block of Algoma Street South on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Police say they have charged a 32-year-old man with second-degree murder and failing to remain at the scene.
Police say Vrastak was riding his bicycle southbound on Algoma Street South, travelling on the east sidewalk, when he was struck by a van being driven by a man.
The victim was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries while the driver of the van fled the scene.
Vrastak succumbed to his injuries around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
The 37-year-old man originally charged in connection with the crash has been released. Police say their investigation led them to arrest the man they now believe was the driver of the van at the time of the fatal incident.
"Throughout the investigation another person was identified as the driver of the offending vehicle," said acting Det. Insp. Don Lewis, adding it was a combination of witness statements, video surveillance and examination of the vehicle that led them to the suspected driver.
Sheldon Mark Yesno, 32, has been charged with second-degree murder and fail to remain at the scene. Yesno remains in custody.
Lewis said the vehicle appears to have come into contact with the cyclist intentionally.
Police say the fatal confrontation between the suspected driver and cyclist was drug related.
"The investigation did reveal some confrontation and it resulted in what appears to be a drug transaction that took place early on in the investigation previous to the altercation on the street," Lewis said.
Lewis said the victim suffered extensive head injuries and a post-mortem was taking place Thursday afternoon.
