Suspect in Alberta junior high crash has charge against him upgraded

EDMONTON – A charge has been upgraded against a man accused of crashing his minivan into an Alberta school.

Richard Edward Benson was initially charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance.

But one of the students who was seriously injured in the crash died Friday, so Benson now faces a charge of dangerous driving causing death.

The 46-year-old is due back in court later this morning where he is expected to apply for bail.

The Crown says it will oppose his release and ask for a psychological assessment.

The minivan crashed through the window of Racette Junior High School in St. Paul last Thursday, sending several Grade 6 French students to hospital.

Family members have said Benson had been suffering seizures in recent months and they believe he may have had one behind the wheel right before the crash.