After a lengthy investigation, criminal charges have now been laid against Gerald Vermette of St. Pierre in connection with a fatal collision that occurred last June.
The collision occurred on June 27, 2009, 15 kilometres west of Russell on the Yellowhead Highway, near the Saskatchewan border. An eastbound 1999 Infiniti G20 driven by 22-year-old Jason Hargreaves of Brandon, collided with an eastbound Ford F250 pickup truck towing a piece of farm equipment. The truck appeared to have suffered mechanical problems and was left abandoned on the roadside at the time of the collision.
The driver and sole occupant of the Infiniti was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the abandoned pickup truck was not present at the time of the collision. Alcohol is not considered a factor and the driver was wearing a seatbelt.
An investigation conducted by the Russell RCMP Detachment in conjunction withRCMP traffic analysts resulted in a referral to the Provincial Crown Attorney’s office. Charges of “Criminal Negligence Causing Death” and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle” have been laid against 41-year-old Gerald Vermette of St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba. Vermette will appear in Russell provincial court on February 24th, 2010.
Sgt. Matt Lavallee
Yellowhead RCMP
(204) 773-3051
