In The News

‘Good Samaritan’ trucker survives brutal attack

By David Tanner, associate editor - Land Line
Posted Oct 7th 2010 3:05AM


A trucker who stopped to help what he thought were two stranded motorists was beaten and left at the roadside. Luckily for 67-year-old Alex Fraser, he was able to get back to his vehicle and go for help. The British Columbia Trucking Association is offering a $10,000 reward to find the perpetrators.

Fraser, of Vernon, BC, in Western Canada, was driving for Monarch Transport. On Sept. 24, he pulled over on the Yellowhead Highway near Blue River, BC, thinking he would lend a hand. Instead, he was struck in the head by a third individual.

A spokesman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police told Land Line Now that the attack was unprovoked and that robbery was not a motive.

Fraser suffered facial injuries that required surgery and was left unconscious at the roadside. Somehow, he regained consciousness and managed to drive himself to a Husky Station in Blue River to receive help.

Monarch Transport is a member of the BCTA. The association is offering a $10,000 reward in addition to a Crime Stoppers reward of $2,000 for information that leads to a conviction for the crime.

BCTA President Paul Landry is hoping the offer of a reward will help someone come forward about the crime.

“Truck drivers are known for helping others on the road,” Landry said in a statement. “I’d hate to be in a world where they can no longer choose to be Good Samaritans. I hope that others who feel the same way will come forward.”

The RCMP spokesman said Fraser described the suspect’s vehicle as a red or maroon older model four-door that had an orange tarp in the back window.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Valemont office of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police by phone at 250-566-4466 or fax at 250-566-9964; or the BC Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-222-8477. Callers to Crime Stoppers may do so anonymously.

The BCTA is collecting donations online and by phone on behalf of Fraser, whose injuries have forced him to retire after 45 years in trucking.

To donate to Fraser and his family, contact the BCTA at 604-888-5319 or 800-565-2282.

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