Police make arrest in hit-and-run case

Police arrested a male suspect in connection with last week’s Secord Street hit and run.

Thunder Bay Police Service officials say officers arrested Steven Jamie Torkkeli, 28, of Thunder Bay, around 5 p.m. Monday. A vehicle has also been recovered and will be examined by forensic experts.

The man was taken into custody without incident from his north-side home. He now faces charges of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and obstructing a peace officer.

Richard Piekarczyk-Vacca, 20, of Hamilton was visiting his girlfriend in Thunder Bay when he was allegedly struck by a pickup truck early last Wednesday morning. The member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who is serving at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick, suffered serious head injuries and remains in hospital as a result of the collision.

The incident happened near the John Street intersection at about 2 a.m.

Police said, prior to this week’s arrest, that eyewitnesses have described the collision as appearing to be accidental, because the driver slowed down before fleeing the scene along John Street.

The victim's family has travelled to Thunder Bay to attend the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre where he is now listed in serious condition.