Windsor police have launched a public search for a suspect involved in a serious hit-and-run incident that left a cyclist injured. The event took a more sinister turn when the vehicle believed to be involved was discovered deliberately set on fire, according to reports.
Sequence of Events in Windsor Incident
The incident, reported on December 30, 2025, began when a cyclist was struck by a vehicle in Windsor. The driver of the vehicle failed to remain at the scene, fleeing the area and leaving the injured party behind. This constitutes a classic hit-and-run offence, which carries severe legal penalties under Canadian law.
In a subsequent and apparently related development, a vehicle was found torched. Investigators have linked this burned vehicle to the earlier collision. The act of deliberately setting a car on fire is being treated as a separate criminal act, significantly complicating the investigation and the potential charges the suspect will face.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
The Windsor Police Service is actively investigating both the initial collision and the arson. Forensic teams are likely examining the scene of the fire and any evidence recovered from the vehicle to identify the driver. Police are also canvassing for witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage from homes or businesses in the vicinity of both incidents.
Authorities have not released the condition of the cyclist, but such collisions often result in serious or life-altering injuries. The public is urged to contact the Windsor Police Service with any information that could assist in identifying and locating the suspect. Even small details can be crucial in piecing together the timeline and establishing motive for the subsequent arson.
Legal Ramifications and Community Impact
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious crime in Ontario, governed by the Highway Traffic Act and the Criminal Code. Penalties can include substantial fines, lengthy driver's licence suspensions, and even imprisonment, especially if the victim suffers grievous bodily harm. The additional charge of arson, which involves destroying property by fire, is a major indictable offence that can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users like cyclists. It also underscores the lengths to which some individuals will go to evade responsibility, committing further crimes in an attempt to destroy evidence. The Windsor community is left awaiting answers as police work to bring the responsible party to justice.
