The Special Investigations Unit has laid a criminal charge against a York Region police officer in the death of an 18-year-old female pedestrian.

Around 8 p.m. on Feb. 12, Natasha Carla Abogado was crossing St. Clair Ave. E., west of Warden Ave., when she was struck by an unmarked vehicle driven by an on-duty police officer.

Abogado had just gotten off a bus and was on her way home from work when the collision occurred. Her parents expected her home and called several times, but did not get a reply. Later in the evening, they were informed Abogado had died. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 3 a.m., the SIU knocked on their door, having learned the vehicle was driven by an officer.

Abogado had been planning to apply to a university nursing program this year. She loved art and the violin.

“This is a terrible tragedy that has had a devastating effect on all those involved, and on behalf of all members of York Regional Police I extend our deepest condolences to the Abogado family on their loss,” Chief Eric Jolliffe said in a statement Thursday.

Following an investigation, SIU director Tony Loparco determined he had reasonable grounds to lay the charge, the agency said in a news release Thursday.

The SIU charge also concluded a parallel, internal police investigation.

York Region police Det. Const. Remo Romano is charged with dangerous driving causing death. He will appear in Ontario Court of Justice on July 24.

Romano has been with York Region since 2003. He was a member of the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau since August 2010 and served as uniform patrol in the district prior to that. He will be assigned administrative duties until the conclusion of the proceedings.

With files from Michelle LePage