Six months after a fatal crash on Dewdney Trunk Road claimed the life of a cyclist, police announced that charges have finally been laid against a Maple Ridge woman.

Christine Marchand, 52, has been charged with impaired driving causing death.

The charges stem from an early morning crash in the 24300 block of Dewdney on May 24, said RCMP Sgt. Dale Somerville.

"This has been a very complex investigation, where Ridge Meadows RCMP traffic services and serious crimes unit have worked together to prepare a report to Crown counsel," he explained Thursday.

Police reports at the time indicated that just before 3 a.m. that day, a Mountie spotted a white Kia Sportage speeding eastbound on Dewdney, near 232nd Street. The officer turned around with the intention of stopping the SUV.

However, police reported that by the time the officer reached the SUV - about 10 blocks east - the vehicle had crashed and was on fire.

Helping the woman free of the burning vehicle, the officer focused on dousing the fire, while another RCMP officer arriving on scene noticed a bike on the side of the road.

Suspecting there might be more people involved, officers and a police dog began a search of the area.

Cyclist Jon Burstynski, 36, was discovered in a wooded area near the shoulder of the road. He did not survive.

On Thursday, with confirmation of the charges finally being approved, Somerville said he couldn't comment on specifics of the case because it is before the courts "except to say aggressive driving and alcohol involvement were contributing factors, according to our investigation."

Marchand made her first appearance in court on Wednesday, Dec. 5, and will return to court again on Feb. 13.

smclaren@mrtimes.com