A Brampton taxi driver has been released on $51,000 bail after his arrest in the weekend hit-and-run death of Mandeep Bhagtana.
Bhagtana, a 40-year-old father of two, was killed early Saturday when he was struck by a car as he crossed Bovaird Dr. near his home.
Makhan Lachhar, 64, was arrested yesterday when he returned to a Brampton auto body shop where he left a Chevrolet Impala for repairs.
Peel police said the arrest was the result of tips from the public after details of the fatal accident were reported by the media.
Police had said a broken driver's side mirror that was ripped off in the crash, paint chips and other pieces of the suspect car would lead them to the driver.
Lachhar stood impassively in the prisoner's dock in a grey windbreaker with red and white stripes as a Punjabi interpreter translated the court proceedings.
He was ordered released on $51,000 bail and prohibited from driving a motor vehicle pending a trial.
Bhagtana suffered skull fractures in the accident shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday.
Lachhar, who faces charges of failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing death and careless driving, was ordered to return to Brampton court again on Dec. 1.
