A recent revelation by CBC News unveils that the individual charged with causing the death of a six-year-old boy in St. John’s last month had been in a prior accident just two days earlier. Despite this, law enforcement officers did not conduct a background check at the time, missing the fact that 32-year-old Tyler Day had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
The initial incident occurred when Day, driving a company vehicle, collided with another car at the junction of Stamp’s Lane and Terra Nova Road on July 21. Although the other vehicle sustained significant damage, no severe injuries were reported.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) clarified that they did not check Day’s information during the first crash as it was deemed a “non-criminal” matter. It was stated that police responses are determined by the nature of the service call, and in this instance, no criminal record check was necessary.
It was only after a subsequent tragic event on July 23, where Day allegedly struck and killed Zafeer Munir at the intersection of Thorburn Road and Larkhall Street, that the police noticed the outstanding warrant. Following the incident, Day attempted to flee but was apprehended by a witness and subsequently charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm. Tragically, the young boy passed away, leading to upgraded charges of impaired driving causing death, as well as additional charges of dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death, and failing to remain at the accident scene causing death.
Former police officer and criminologist Michael Arntfield expressed that if the warrant had been actioned on July 21, Day might have still been released before the fatal incident two days later. He emphasized the importance of running individuals’ information through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) at the beginning of each interaction to ensure officer safety and proper enforcement.
Day, currently in custody, is scheduled for a court appearance on September 8 for a status update. It has been mentioned that he is working on a release plan and intends to seek bail.