OPP charge driver involved in March crash with CTV Kitchener reporter

Wellington County OPP has charged a 92-year-old woman after a crash involving CTV Kitchener Reporter Stephanie Villella.

It happened on March 1, on Brock Road South in Puslinch while Villella was gathering images of a crash that occurred earlier in the area.

In a video on social media, OPP Constable Josh Cunningham explained that the scene was closed off.

“The road was closed to ensure the safety of those on scene,” he said. “At the northern point of this road closure stood a 30-year-old woman, Stephanie Villella. A southbound vehicle struck Stephanie. Stephanie was seriously injured and rushed to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries.”

The 92-year-old from Guelph has been charged with Careless Driving – Cause Bodily Harm. She is scheduled to appear in a Guelph court on July 19.

“This is a tragic reminder of how important it is to follow road closure signage,” Cunningham said. “When a road is closed, it is with people’s safety in mind. Drive responsibly and never drive through a road closure, you’ll be putting yourself and others at risk.”

According to CTV Kitchener, Villella is still recovering from her injuries.