WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO — Police have charged a truck driver from the Hamilton area in a hit-and-run crash that killed a tow truck operator who was stopped while helping a driver on the side of Highway 401 outside Woodstock, following a nearly three-week search in which investigators asked the public for help identifying the suspect vehicle.

Ontario Provincial Police said 32-year-old Sandeep Singh of Mount Hope, Ontario, has been charged with dangerous operation causing death and failure to stop after an accident causing death.

Police said the crash happened on December 3 and led to the closure of the westbound lanes of Highway 401 near Oxford Road 3 in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim during the morning commute. Investigators said a tow truck operator — a 42-year-old man from Kitchener — was hit by a blue commercial tractor-trailer while assisting a stranded motorist and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the arrest and charges come after a nearly three-week search that included public appeals to help identify the suspect vehicle.

The death prompted renewed calls from police and Ontario’s towing industry for drivers to slow down and move over when tow trucks are working roadside, including statements from the Professional Towing Association of Ontario. A procession organized by tow truck drivers in the Waterloo Region drew hundreds of tow trucks to honor the victim.

OPP said the accused was charged on Monday and was released from custody with a court date set for January 27 in Woodstock.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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