The Olalla man who allegedly caused a fatal accident near the Penticton airport in July is facing a new set of charges.
On Wednesday, at Penticton provincial courthouse, Crown Counsel asked the original charges of dangerous driving causing death and leaving the scene of an accident be stayed. According to the court docket, 72-year-old Frank Tamok is now facing charges of criminal negligence causing death, impaired driving causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, impaired driving causing bodily harm, causing an accident resulting in death and failure to stop at an accident. The collision that killed a 32-year-old Vancouver man occurred in the afternoon of July 3 as the long weekend was winding down.
First reports by RCMP indicated Tamok was rear-ended in his Kia Sport Tec SUV at the Channel Parkway and Highway 97 intersection. He then allegedly accelerated away, having minor collisions with several other vehicles all within a half-kilometre. RCMP reported that Tamok was nearing Old Airport Road when he sideswiped a Jimmy causing that driver to lose control. The Jimmy careened into the opposing lane and overturned while airborne. The vehicle then landed on the front-end of a Toyota Tacoma that was pulling a travel trailer.
The Vancouver man driving the Jimmy was pronounced dead at the scene. Five occupants from the eight vehicles that were involved in the accident were treated for minor injuries. RCMP officers came into contact with Tamok at the Penticton Regional Hospital where he was arrested as he left the building.
RCMP told media in the days following the incident that Tamok’s drivers licence had been suspended for two years by the office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles at the time of the accident.
Tamok, who is in custody at Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre, will next appear in court by video on Oct. 12.
By Kristi Patton
Black Press