A man who is accused of causing the death of a six-year-old boy due to impaired driving in St. John’s last month was reportedly involved in a previous crash two days before the fatal incident. According to information obtained by CBC News, the man, identified as 32-year-old Tyler Day, had an outstanding arrest warrant at the time of the earlier collision.
The incident occurred on July 21 at the intersection of Stamp’s Lane and Terra Nova Road when Day, driving a work truck, collided with another vehicle, resulting in significant damage but no serious injuries. Despite the warrant for his arrest, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) did not run a check on Day following the crash, as it was deemed a “non-criminal” matter.
It wasn’t until two days later, on July 23, that police discovered the warrant after Day allegedly struck Zafeer Munir, the young boy, at the intersection of Thorburn Road and Larkhall Street. Day reportedly fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward by an eyewitness. Initially charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm, the charges were later upgraded to include impaired driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing death.
Former police officer and criminologist Michael Arntfield noted that had the RNC acted on the warrant earlier, Day might have still been released before the tragic incident. Arntfield expressed surprise that officers did not run Day’s information during the first crash, emphasizing the importance of verifying individuals’ backgrounds during police interactions to ensure public safety.
Day, who is currently in custody, is scheduled to appear in court on September 8 for a status update. Despite efforts to seek bail, the court has been informed that Day is working on a release plan.