Fundraiser Announced For BC Woman Dragged By Van As New Investigation Details Emerge
Over the Thanksgiving long weekend, a young woman from B.C. was left in critical condition after she was dragged by a van for several blocks in downtown Vancouver. The 24-year-old remains in the hospital where she is being treated for traumatic injuries. With the investigation underway, Vancouver police have shared new details suggesting that Desiree Evancio may not have been hit by the van.
It was originally reported that, on the night of October 12, Evancio was hit and dragged by the van for up to five blocks before the driver noticed. Police have now come forward to state that Evancio may have walked between the trailer and the van as it was stopped in traffic, News 1130 reports.
Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Aaron Roed confirmed to CBC News that the new evidence indicates that the victim walked between the van and the cargo trailer while it was idling at the stop at Hastings Street between Columbia Street and Jackson Avenue. This is based on new video surveillance footage that was captured moments before the incident, reports CTV News.
Evancio was then rushed to the hospital where she immediately underwent four emergency operations. In order to help pay for the surgeries, a GoFundMe was set up in her honour with a $1 million goal. As of 10 a.m. on October 23, the GoFundMe has raised $178,390 from over 3,000 donors.
In addition to the GoFundMe, a football fundraiser has been announced for Evancio. According to the Facebook event page, a football fundraiser is taking place at the Lamplighter in Vancouver this Sunday.
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., people are invited to come down to the Lamplighter and watch the Seahawks take on the Falcons as they raise money to help Evancio. The event includes a $10 cover fee, with proceeds donated directly to Evancio's family.
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In the event description, it says that Evancio will face years of extensive rehabilitation and care. “We’d like to thank the Lamplighter for hosting an event that will help take the financial burden away from the family,” wrote the event page.
While the investigation is still ongoing, CTV News has stated that American punk and Off With Their Heads was linked to the incident.
On the night of the incident, the band was playing at the SBC Restaurant on East Hastings Street. CTV News was able to capture a photo of what looked like the band's bassist, Robbie Swartwood, taking a breathalyzer from a police officer.
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The band has since released a statement on Facebook stating that they are cancelling the remaining dates of their North American tour.
According to CBC News, police are still investigating whether impaired driving was a factor or not. At this time, no charges have been laid. The driver of the van was initially taken into custody and later released.
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