$50,000 reward now offered relating to arrest, conviction in November fatal hit-and-run near Smiths Falls

The OPP are now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a fatal hit-and-run collision near Smiths Falls last fall.

The body of Steven Tate, 34, of Montague Township, was found Nov. 8 adjacent to Highway 15. He had been reported missing on Nov. 3, 2023, and was last seen alive earlier that day.

Police say a dark coloured hatchback or sedan, believed to be a Mazda, is believed to have been involved. It would have had damage to the front passenger side. A video of the suspect vehicle was released earlier this year.

Detectives want to speak with anyone who may have seen a damaged car potentially matching the description anytime after 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

In addition to the reward, a billboard has now been placed adjacent to Highway 15, close to the location where Steven’s body was found. “It’s hoped this could prompt someone to report any small detail they might remember from last November,” police state in a post to X.

Members of the Lanark County OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continue to investigate with the assistance of OPP Collision Reconstructionists and the Technical Collision Investigation team, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information should contact the Lanark OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.