29 January 2009
A Hamilton man sought in connection with an alleged hit and run at a busy city intersection was arrested by Police this morning.
Sergeant Dale Smith said the 22-year-old Rototuna man is believed to have been the driver of a Nissan car that sped off from members of Hamilton Beat Section yesterday.
"The driver's details had just been taken down when he took off, narrowly missing one officer, heading north along Victoria St.
"The car was seen being driven on the wrong side of the road and at the intersection with London St the car, still on the wrong side of the road, ran a red light and struck an eastbound cyclist causing the rider serious injury."
Mr Smith said Police had received great reports from the public and were able to trace some of the vehicle's movements once it left their sight.
"It had carried on to Rostrevor St where witnesses report the occupants stopped to remove the car's damaged front bumper, it then carried on towards Frankton.
"This information was important as since his arrest officers have been trying to locate the car which is believed to have been taken to a city panelbeaters."
The driver, already scheduled to appear next month for a breach of Community Detention Conditions, will appear in the Hamilton District Court today in connection with yesterday's events.
End