Man, 35, charged in hit-and-run that killed 14-year-old pedestrian

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A 35-year-old man has been charged in the hit-and-run crash that killed a 14-year-old pedestrian in the rural Southwestern Ontario community of Cultus last week, police said Monday. The 14-year-old was struck while walking along Fairground Road in Cultus, a Norfolk County community about 20 kilometres west of Port Rowan, on Dec.

6 just before 5:30 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police said. The boy, Dominik Short-Empey, died in hospital.

Article content Police searched a home in the nearby town of Langton and seized a vehicle believed to be connected to the collision. On Sunday, police said the driver had not yet been found.

Monday, police said, a person was arrested. Nicholas Burtch, 35, of Norfolk County is charged with failing to stop at an accident resulting in death. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Between finding the vehicle and making the arrest, OPP Const. Andrew Gamble posted a video on social media in which he thanked citizens for their help with the investigation. "I'd personally like to thank each and every one of you who has provided valuable information thus far," he said, "whether that be directly or anonymously.

"The collaborative effort between the OPP and the public is absolutely crucial to bringing this investigation to a resolution." Short-Empey was a Grade 10 student at Valley Heights secondary school. Officials with the Grand Erie District school board said in a statement last week: "He will be greatly missed by the staff and students at Valley Heights, and especially by those who were fortunate enough to be his friends."

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