Nanaimo woman charged in fatal mall parking lot incident, truck's design leading to serious charge

A 24-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the death of an elderly pedestrian in the parking lot of Woodgrove Mall earlier this year.

Jazmin Patenaude, a Nanaimo resident, faces one count of dangerous operation causing death following the March 21 incident that claimed the life of an 85-year-old woman.

According to authorities, the victim had just parked her vehicle and was walking toward the mall when she was struck by Patenaude’s truck as it exited a parking stall.

The impact knocked the elderly woman to the ground, resulting in fatal injuries.

Investigators noted that modifications to Ms. Patenaude’s truck — such as suspension lifts, oversized tires, and tinted windows — contributed to the incident.

These alterations made navigating a crowded parking lot particularly hazardous, police said.

The charge is considered serious under Canadian law, as it indicates that the driver’s actions posed a significant risk to public safety.

Patenaude is expected to appear in court at a later date.