An Eganville man now faces a murder charge after a car crash last month in Arnprior.
The collision occurred on Monday, September 25, at approximately 3:50 p.m. and killed an Arnprior woman.
Responding OPP officers had seen the suspect vehicle on Highway 17 traveling eastbound in the area of Calabogie Road.
Police started to chase the vehicle and shortly after that, the suspect vehicle was involved in a collision on Daniel Street in Arnprior. The driver was apprehended and arrested at the scene.
Sheila Welsh, 65, of Arnprior who was involved in this collision, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Now, Zachary Wittke, 20, of Eganville has now been charged with First Degree Murder, in addition to his initial charges of:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death;
- Flight while being pursued by police;
- Driving while disqualified; and with
- Theft of a motor vehicle over $5,000
His next court appearance is scheduled for November tomorrow (Nov. 1) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke.
Police gave no reason for the murder charge in a news release.
Officers from the Renfrew Detachment under the direction of Detective Inspector Rob Hagerman of the Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate the events that led to the fatal collision.
The province's Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate. When police officers are involved in incidents where someone has been seriously injured or dies the SIU has the statutory mandate to conduct independent investigations to determine whether a criminal offence took place.
As a result the OPP will not be able to provide any further information.
