London's police chief is hoping that the arrest of a suspect in the hit and run that left Tristan Roby with critical injuries will bring comfort to the young man's family.
Police announced Thursday that a suspect has been arrested and charged six months after Roby was hit by a vehicle as he rode his bike on Exeter Road near Wonderland Road. Jesse Aron Bleck, 26, of London was arrested Wednesday and charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm and two counts of driving while prohibited.
Roby, who was a few days away from his 18th birthday at the time of the incident, was riding his bike with a friend on Exeter Road around 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 when he was hit by a car. The driver stopped briefly, but then left the scene. The car was later found abandoned.
Roby was left with brain injuries, a broken leg, a broken jaw, bruised lungs, and other injuries. While in hospital he developed pneumonia which led to sepsis, according to his mother Abby.
“I only hope that the determination and perseverance of the Traffic Management Unit and all the other officers involved from the time of the incident to today, will bring some solace to Tristan and his family,” said London Police Chief Steve Williams.
Investigators thanked those who provided tips that assisted in this case and continue to urge anyone else with information to call 519-661-5680, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).