Driver arrested after hit-and-run

Kingston Police have arrested a local man after a hit-and-run on Montreal St that left a victim with critical injuries and killed the victim’s dog.

Kingston Police say that on Mar. 13, 2021 at approximately 6:56 p.m. officers responded to a call regarding a pedestrian who had just been struck by a motor vehicle in the area of Montreal Street near Hickson Avenue in Kingston’s north end. Witnesses to the collision advised police that the vehicle that had struck the pedestrian had fled the collision scene without stopping to provide any form of assistance to the injured victim.

The victim, which police have now identified as 55-year-old Joseph Thibeault, sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to Kingston General Hospital by Frontenac Paramedics in critical condition. The victim had been walking his dog at the time of the incident and the dog was found deceased at the scene after suffering traumatic injuries from being struck by the suspect’s vehicle.

Police say that after further investigation, on Mar. 14, 2021 at approximately 1:30 a.m. the suspect was located and arrested at a Rideau Street address. He was subsequently transported to police headquarters where he was held to attend a bail hearing.

Jeff Gumersell, a 34-year-old local man, has been charged with the dangerous operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm, as well as leaving an accident scene that had resulted in bodily harm.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident or who may have dash cam or video footage to provide to police, is asked to please contact Detective Graham at 613-549-4660 ext. 6311 or via email at [email protected].
Those with information can also provide tips anonymously by calling the Kingston Police general number 613-549-4660 ext. 0 and asking to remain anonymous.