Time granted in hit-and-run probe

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OTTAWA, July 21 (UPI) -- Canadian prosecutors have asked for extra time to interview five injured cyclists struck by a hit-and-run driver near Ottawa, before a suspect's bail hearing.

The court agreed to the Crown prosecutor's request Monday, as all five victims sustained serious injuries in the Sunday morning incident and one is in critical condition and unable to speak, the Ottawa Citizen reported Tuesday.

The group was struck from behind as they rode single-file in a marked bicycle lane on a highway in Kanata, southwest of Ottawa. The driver reportedly veered back to the driving lane after the collision and continued on, but later turned himself in to police, the report said.

Sommit Luangpakham, 45, faces five counts of leaving the scene of an accident, although police said more charges are possible depending on what information the victims can provide.

Luangpakham's lawyer asked for bail at a brief Monday court appearance, but the judge ruled he must stay in custody until Thursday to give police more time to gather the victims' and witness statements, the newspaper said.