Saanich Police seek witnesses who spotted pickup truck before serious crash

Saanich Police are appealing to the public for help tracking the movements of a pickup truck involved in a serious head-on collision that left a newlywed couple to face a long road to recovery.

Officers investigating the October 27th crash in the 5300 block of West Saanich Road are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen or encountered the vehicle earlier that day.

The vehicle is described as a grey 2003 four-door Chevrolet Silverado 4×4, equipped with a distinctive truck rack in its bed that extends over the rear portion of the cab.

Police are specifically interested in hearing from anyone who spotted the truck anywhere on the Saanich Peninsula or Southern Gulf Islands on Tuesday, October 27th.

The appeal comes as investigators continue piecing together the circumstances surrounding the collision, which occurred shortly after 9:15 p.m. that night. 

According to an earlier Saanich Police release, two vehicles travelling in opposite directions collided head-on.

The driver of the northbound vehicle was transported to hospital in critical condition before being airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital. A passenger was also taken to hospital for assessment.

The northbound vehicle was carrying newlyweds Miranda and Josh Shaffer, who had married just five months earlier.

According to a GoFundMe campaign, Miranda suffered devastating injuries, including a brain bleed, two broken bones in her neck and several other serious injuries.

She has undergone multiple surgeries, and her family has said she is unable to breathe independently. They also fear she may never walk again.

Josh suffered a chest injury and is dealing with the emotional trauma of the crash. The family has alleged the collision was caused by an impaired driver.

Saanich Police previously confirmed that the driver of the southbound vehicle, who appeared uninjured, was arrested after refusing a breath sample.

Police have not confirmed whether impairment was a factor in the collision.

The investigation is being handled by the Saanich Police Major Crime Unit, which previously indicated it expected to recommend criminal charges.

Meanwhile, the couple’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses as they navigate what is expected to be a lengthy recovery.

Miranda also operates Shallon Naturals in Brentwood Bay alongside her mother, a business the family says may need to temporarily close while she recovers.

Anyone who saw or encountered the grey Chevrolet Silverado anywhere on the Saanich Peninsula or Southern Gulf Islands on October 27th is urged to contact Saanich Police at (250) 475-4321 and reference file 26-21541.