Priest who counselled 17-year-old linked to fatal Circle Drive crash says teen deserves another chance

The co-founder of a Saskatoon anti-gang program says he won't abandon a 17-year-old linked to a fatal crash.

Police say last week a 17-year-old driver crossed the meridian on Circle Drive near the 108th Street exit and slammed into another car. A 70-year-old man from the city was killed.

The teen, who turned 18 on Saturday, is being held on charges after he allegedly breached conditions of an earlier release. Police said a dangerous driving causing death charge is pending in relation to the fatal crash.

He cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. 

• Man, 70, dead following multi-vehicle crash on Circle Drive in Saskatoon
• Police say 17-year-old driver suspected of hit and run, hitting curb, before fatal crash

Father André Poilièvre has worked with the teen for several years through STR8UP, a program that works with people trying to leave a gang lifestyle. 

Poilièvre said the teen had been flourishing after leaving his gang, becoming an honour student, athlete, model and motivational speaker. However, that all changed when he slipped back into drug addiction.

"He's heartbroken," Poilièvre told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. "The addiction is so strong, so powerful, so containing. It's like being in a jail, but the jail is the addiction."

Hours before the crash happened, the teen made a court appearance on other charges. Family members said the teen appeared visibly high at the appearance and they wanted him detained and brought in for drug treatment.

• Mother of teen accused in fatal Saskatoon crash shocked court allowed him to leave while 'so high'

• Stepfather of 17-year-old says fatal car crash could have been avoided

However, Poilièvre said it's essential the teen make that decision for himself.

"If he's not willing to do that, it's pointless," he said. "If there's no charge, the prosecutor can't do anything. The judge can't do anything. His or her lawyer can't do anything."

The priest said many of the people he works with relapse, sometimes with serious consequences. He said that doesn't mean anyone, including the 17-year-old in question, should be abandoned.

"What happened was tragic," he said. "It's unbelievable. But nevertheless, we need to help that young man put his life back together. And it's possible."

The teen will make his next court appearance later this week.