An incident involving a driver has raised serious concerns in Beauport. On a recent Monday, two children aged 7 and 10 were struck while walking home from school. The driver, identified as Daniel Robitaille, 67, was charged with dangerous driving following the collision.
Background of the Incident
Robitaille hit the children on Boulevard des Chutes, near Rue Francheville, during late afternoon hours. Following the event, he was promptly arrested and has remained in custody since. During his court appearance, he exhibited difficulty standing, needing to lean against walls for support.
Drug-Related Issues
Robitaille’s history reveals longstanding substance abuse problems. Reports indicate that his use of morphine, initially prescribed for back pain, has spiraled over the years. He has also been noted for cocaine use, leading to his recent violations of parole conditions.
- Robitaille’s release on parole was revoked in 2023 due to a positive cocaine test.
- His criminal record includes a drug trafficking conviction for which he received nearly three years in prison.
- He was previously sentenced to five years in 2014 and 14 years in 1999 for drug-related offenses.
Consequences of the Accident
The children involved received critical injuries. The youngest remained unconscious and in an uncertain state during transport to the hospital. Initial reports highlighted the severity of their condition, emphasizing the dire nature of the incident.
Witnesses indicated that the collision appeared to result from a driver veering off course, striking the children after colliding with another vehicle. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain further details about the incident.
Legal Proceedings
Robitaille is scheduled to return to court for a bail hearing. His defense attorney, Me Marianne Carrière, will represent him. However, the prosecutor, Me Élizabeth Gallant, has expressed concerns regarding the risk posed by Robitaille due to his past behaviors.
The aftermath of this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for addressing public safety and driving under the influence of substances, raising awareness about the dangers posed by individuals with drug-related issues.
For updates on this story, El-Balad will continue to monitor the developments surrounding the incident.
