Police ask hit-and-run driver to come forward

By Dan Hilborn
Published Jan 3, 2004


Burnaby RCMP have released more details on the tragic hit-and- run accident that killed a 67-year-old woman in South Burnaby on Boxing Day.

The victim is Shui Ping Yue, a resident of the city.

RCMP spokesperson Const. Phil Reid said the incident is particularly traumatic because of several phone conversations Yue had with her two sons in the moments surrounding the fatal accident.

After leaving the nearby Royal Oak SkyTrain station, Yue apparently phoned her first son to say she would be arriving home shortly. After being hit, Yue then used her cellphone to call her other son, who lived in a different location, to report that she was injured.

The first son learned of the accident when he looked outside the family's window and saw police and ambulance vehicles arriving at the intersection where he knew his mother should have crossed.

Recognizing his mother was late getting home, the son went out onto the street and saw his mother's jacket lying on the ground.

"These have to be very trying circumstances for both of her sons," Reid said.

Reid noted the entire incident was watched by "a reliable witness" who apparently crossed the intersection of Beresford Street and Antrim Avenue just moments before Yue was struck.

While police still have no suspects, they believe the vehicle that struck Yue was a dark grey Honda or Acura-type vehicle that suffered damage to its front grill and front right fender.

The suspect vehicle is believed to have stopped briefly before fleeing from the scene.

Reid is also calling on the suspect to do the honourable thing.

"This person should come forward," Reid said. "You'd be surprised how everyone has their own side to the story. However, if they don't come forward now, this is nothing less than murder.

"Don't be a coward and just leave the scene of the a hit-and-run where a lady was left dead," Reid said. "This will be on your conscience for a long time."

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the Burnaby RCMP non-emergency number at 604-294-7922. Witnesses who wish to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 604-669-8477.