Vancouver police ask public to help identify driver in fatal hit and run

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Vancouver police on Thursday released a picture of the badly damaged vehicle believed to have been involved in the hit-and-run accident that killed Ryan Barron.

At a media conference attended by Barron’s family members — who live in Windsor, Ont. — Vancouver Police Sgt. Randy Fincham showed for the first time a picture of a silver Mitsubishi with the windshield badly smashed and caved into the seating area of the car they believe was involved in the fatality.

Judging by the damage to the windshield, Fincham said the driver would be fully aware that someone was hit. “You knew you hit someone, it is very evident,” he said of the damage to the windshield and of the driver leaving the scene while the badly injured Barron was lying on the street.

Fincham said the damage to the windshield would have made driving from the scene of the accident extremely difficult.

Barron, 30, was skateboarding on Heather Street near West 54 at around 2:30 a.m. on April 17 when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.

Following up on early leads, police found the vehicle two days after the accident.

But despite having the vehicle they suspect was involved, Fincham said they still have yet to make an arrest. The vehicle police found hidden away was not stolen, and Fincham said they know who the vehicle is registered to.

He feels people who know what happened have not come forward to help with the investigation.

“We do know there are people out there who have not spoken to police,” he said.

He said police need more evidence to make an arrest. “Certainly we have a number of pieces of evidence,” Fincham said. “Our goal is to provide an airtight case.”

Shortly after the crash, Barron’s employer offered a $25,000 reward for any information that would lead to a successful prosecution.

“This will remain an active investigation until you are arrested,” Fincham said to the driver. “There will be a day when we come to get you.”

Fincham appealed to others who may know some information about the case, as the car was hidden from public view when police found it. “We are very certain people out there know the steps the driver went to to try and hide the car.”

Wearing T-shirts that said “Justice for Ryan,” and his mother holding his Barron skateboard, family members tearfully asked for the public’s help to track down the driver.

Barron’s aunt, Lynn Stuart, spoke for the family and asked anyone with information to come forward.

“To anyone out there who has information about the hit and run accident on April 17, 2016 that took the life of my beloved nephew, you too might be in my family’s situation and never would you have imagined the pain and heartbreak because of the fact that people are not coming forward.”

Police were called to the quiet residential area shortly before 3 a.m. April 17 after neighbours heard shouting from the roadway. Barron and a friend were skateboarding down Heather when a fast-approaching vehicle struck him, throwing him more than 100 feet.

His friend tried giving CPR while an ambulance was on the way, but Barron was pronounced dead at hospital from the injuries.

Barron had moved to Vancouver from Windsor and was working for Vancouver-based HBI Canada. A popular skateboarder and bass player with the metal band Days Fade, he had just been promoted at HBI after being with the company for nearly two years.

Anyone with information is asked to call 604-717-3012 or CrimeStoppers.

jcolebourn@postmedia.com