The suspect vehicle involved in last week's crash in south-end Barrie that killed a 19-year-old Georgian College student is being searched, but it could still be a while before information from its computer system could be retrieved, according to city police.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon confirmed to BarrieToday that a search warrant has been granted for the vehicle investigators say was involved in the July 21 collision at Big Bay Point Road and Leggott Avenue.
Varsil Patel, 19, was killed in the crash. Police say Patel, who hailed from India and was studying computer programming at Georgian College, was struck by a vehicle while he was walking near the intersection just after 10 p.m.
Police say Patel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jacob Throop, 19, of Barrie, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and failure to stop after a collision causing death. He was held for a bail hearing and released from custody Saturday afternoon.
Throop is scheduled to return to court via video on Monday, Aug. 28 at 9 a.m.
A court-imposed publication ban, under Section 517 of the Criminal Code, was implemented, which prohibits publishing information and other details heard during the bail hearing.
As for the ongoing investigation, Leon says there have been no new developments from the search of the vehicle’s computer system.
“It's a lot like a plane’s black box. It will allow investigators to be able to tell what was occurring at any given time,” he said. “Now, from time to time, these devices are damaged to a point that they can’t be utilized, in which case investigators continue with the science of the scene to get answers.”
A GoFundMe account was created July 22 and closed July 24 after raising more than $42,000. The page said the money will be used primarily for funeral costs and transfer services to India, with the rest deposited in Patel's father's account to assist the family.
On Tuesday, Patel’s cousin, who lives in Mississauga, spoke with BarrieToday over the phone, saying the family is grieving back in India and trying to get the body home.
“They are not a wealthy family and have raised money thanks to the generosity of many,” said Rajan, who asked that his last name not be published. “He was an only child and was working and going to school to help his family.”
The police investigation determined that Patel was crossing from the south side of Big Bay Point Road to a plaza located on the north side when he was struck by the westbound vehicle.
The vehicle was located a short distance away at a plaza on the southeast corner of Huronia and Big Bay Point roads, where it had caught fire.
Patel worked at the Circle K in the plaza at Big Bay Point Road and Leggott Avenue, near where he was struck and killed. However, his cousin said he was unsure if Patel was leaving or on his way to work when the collision happened. Employees at the store declined to comment.
Patel was from Ahmedabad Gujarat, India. Rajan also confirmed his cousin had begun his studies at Georgian College last year.
Georgian College issued a message of condolence on Tuesday in relation to Patel's death.
"The Georgian College community is saddened to confirm Varsil Patel, a student in our computer programming program, was the victim of a tragic vehicle accident the night July 21 in south Barrie," the statement said. "Our college community offers our deepest condolences to Varsil's family and his friends, classmates and instructors."
The Georgian College flag at the Barrie campus has been lowered to half-mast in his memory.
College officials are also reminding students and employees that free and confidential counselling is available.
