A man accused of hitting and abandoning a pedestrian in his 70s continued to drive to work after the alleged crash.
Queensland police arrested a 35-year-old Joyner man after the alleged collision in Chermside, north Brisbane, about 5.15am on Thursday.
It is understood the elderly man was hit by a car at the intersection of Kittyhawk Dr and Murphy Rd while on his morning walk.
Detective Acting Inspector Ken Rogers claimed the arrested man had borrowed the car allegedly involved in the accident from someone he knew.
It is alleged the driver did not stop to help the man but instead drove to work, leaving the man in a critical condition with head, pelvic and leg injuries.
Queensland police arrested a 35-year-old Joyner man (centre) on Thursday after a man in his 70s was found with serious injuries following an alleged hit-and-run
The man, aged in his 70s, was treated at the scene by paramedics but died while en route to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Insp Rogers confirmed that police believe a burnt-out vehicle on Awaba St in nearby Wavell Heights was involved in the crash.
Residents first noticed the burned car shortly after 6 a.m. Police and firefighters investigated the Honda CR-V for several hours before it was towed from the scene around 10 a.m.
The 35-year-old alleged driver was arrested at his workplace in Geebung this morning Courier mail reported.
Inspector Rogers said he is expected to face charges of driving a motor vehicle dangerously causing death with callous disregard, failing to remain at the scene and arson of the vehicle.
Police arrested the man at his workplace and seized a Honda CR-V that was found on fire (pictured) near the scene of the accident
Detective Acting Inspector Ken Rogers claimed the arrested man had borrowed the car (pictured) allegedly involved in the accident from someone he knew
Police believe he was alone in the car at the time of the accident.
The alleged hit-and-run driver is assisting police, with Insp Rogers noting he was ‘still quite shaken up’.
“I can say that shortly after he was located he became physically and emotionally distressed,” he said.
It is understood the pedestrian was walking westbound along Murphy Rd when he was struck by the vehicle as it reportedly ran a red light at the intersection of Kittyhawk Dr.
Queensland Police allege the arrested man made certain admissions in connection with the crash.
Residents near the crash said they heard a loud bang early Thursday morning but initially thought it was a garbage truck.
It’s understood the older man was walking when he was hit by a car at the intersection of Kittyhawk Dr and Murphy Rd (pictured)
“It’s our bin day on Thursday so I thought it was the municipal bin lids slamming shut but then I heard a huge explosion,” said one.
“When I looked outside, I saw a plume of smoke and fire towering over the house (on the corner of Abawa St and Highlands St).”
The Forensic Crash Unit spent several hours at the scene on Thursday morning, watching detectives remove several pieces of evidence, including a pair of sneakers.
Investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with CCTV footage or information is asked to contact police.