The afternoon of February 19th began like any other for a 19-year-old woman stepping off a bus at the intersection of Denison Street and Featherstone Avenue in Markham. In a horrifying instant, her life changed forever, struck by a vehicle that didn’t even slow down.
Witnesses described a scene of unimaginable brutality. The impact sent the young woman flying onto the hood of the car, where she remained – carried for a full 50 metres as the driver relentlessly continued on their path. It was a distance that stretched into an eternity for the victim, and a chilling display of callous disregard for human life.
First responders arrived to find a scene of chaos and a young woman suffering life-altering injuries. She was immediately rushed to a trauma centre, where she remains in serious condition, facing a long and arduous road to recovery. Investigators immediately recognized the severity of the incident, noting the driver clearly knew they had struck someone.
After weeks of intensive investigation, York Regional Police have arrested and charged 29-year-old Nathan Kumar Persaud of Oshawa in connection with the hit-and-run. Search warrants executed across Richmond Hill, Oshawa, and Toronto led to his arrest and the seizure of his vehicle.
The investigation revealed a deliberate attempt to cover up the crime. Authorities believe Persaud actively worked to conceal his identity and repair the damage to his vehicle, desperately trying to erase evidence of his actions. He now faces six serious charges, including dangerous operation causing bodily harm and multiple counts related to drug trafficking.
Police are now appealing to the public for assistance, specifically seeking anyone who may have sold parts to Persaud or unknowingly performed repairs on the damaged vehicle. They emphasize that aiding someone in concealing evidence of a crime carries severe legal consequences.
Anyone who performed body work, paint repairs, or mechanical fixes intended to hide collision damage could be charged as an accessory after the fact. Investigators are stressing that even seemingly minor assistance can lead to criminal prosecution.
The York Regional Police Major Collision Investigation Unit is urging anyone with information – including dashcam footage from the area on February 19th at approximately 3:41 p.m. – to come forward. Every detail, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to building a complete picture of what happened and ensuring justice for the victim.
Those with information can contact the unit directly at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
