Arrest made in hit-and-run in Whitby that left woman with life-threatening injuries

Durham Police are thanking the public for their help in finding a man wanted in a hit-and-run last weekend that left a young woman fighting for her life.

The 23-year-old woman had just stepped off a bus near Consumers Drive and Paisley Court in Whiby when she was struck by a silver Jaguar XF sedan early Saturday morning. Police say the driver failed to remain and took off south on Brock Street.

The woman suffered serious life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Toronto trauma centre.

On Monday investigators from the Collision Investigation Unit located the Jaguar at a residence in Whitby. A warrant was issued and the vehicle was seized. As a result of the seizure officers were able to identify the driver and Courtney Lawrence Ritchie, 40, was arrested Wednesday and taken into custody.

Jaguar XF sedan

Ritchie is charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, fail to remain at the scene of an accident, three counts of driving while disqualified and three more counts of driving under suspension, driving with no insurance and operating an unsafe vehicle.

He was held for a bail hearing

Anyone with cell phone, dashcam, surveillance footage, or information about this incident can contact D/Cst. Kollaard of the Collision Investigation Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5267.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.