Youth arrested in fatal October hit-and-run that killed 81-year-old woman

Youth arrested in fatal October hit-and-run that killed 81-year-old woman

Winnipeg police have charged a 17-year-old boy in a hit-and-run that killed an 81-year-old woman last fall, after using forensic evidence to identify a suspected driver.

Corazon Manguerra died in hospital after the two-vehicle collision at Sargent Avenue and Empress Street at about 4:30 a.m. on Oct. 16.

She had to be freed from a heavily damaged vehicle.

City police said a 45-year-old man who was in the same vehicle was treated for non-life-threatening injuries in hospital.

The occupants of the other vehicle, described as a late-model Dodge Caravan that was dark in colour, fled on foot after the crash, police said.

Investigators believe the van was travelling at high speed before the collision.

Police said today the occupants were arrested a short time later, but no one was charged with driving-related offences because officers had not yet identified who was driving.

A 19-year-old passenger underwent surgery for injuries suffered in the crash, while the investigation continued.

Officers identified the van’s suspected driver through forensic evidence that was collected at the scene and analyzed at an RCMP lab.

Police said a 17-year-old boy from Winnipeg was arrested yesterday.

He faces charged of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and two counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.

The teen, who cannot be named because he is under 18, is also facing a charge of failing to stop at the scene of the collision.

He is being held in custody.

Police are still asking witnesses or anyone with information of dashcam footage to come forward. Investigators are trying to learn more about the way the van was being driven before the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call the traffic division at 204-986-7085 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477.

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Twitter: @chriskitching