ARNPRIOR – An Arnprior grandmother is dead and a 20-year-old man from Engaville has been charged following an accident.
On Monday, September 25 at approximately 3:20 p.m., OPP officers of the Renfrew Detachment responded to a driving complaint involving a stolen vehicle. The same vehicle was later involved in a fail to remain collision in Renfrew.
Responding OPP officers observed the suspect vehicle on Highway 17 travelling eastbound in the area of Calabogie Road. Shortly after, the suspect vehicle was involved in a collision on Daniel Street in Arnprior.
Sheila Welsh, 65, of Arnprior, the driver of a vehicle coming out of a driveway, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the suspect vehicle, Zachary Wittke, 20 of Eganville is being held in custody pending a bail hearing on September 29, 2017 in answer to the following charges:
• 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.
A criminal investigation is being conducted with members of the OPP Renfrew Detachment under the direction of Major Case Manager, Detective Inspector Rob Hagerman of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
The OPP notified the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) which invoked it’s mandate. As a result the OPP will not be able to provide any further information. Any other inquiries should be directed to SIU communications at (416) 622-2342.
