By Violet Li
Police are appealing for dashcam or CCTV footage following a serious hit-and-run collision in Devon Meadows on Monday 28 April.
A 79-year-old cyclist from Cranbourne was travelling north on Fisheries Road when he was struck by a grey BMW X5 SUV at about 2:15pm.
Police have released CCTV footage of the vehicle they are seeking.
SD3 Highway Patrol senior sergeant David Hewatt said the cyclist was on the verge of the country road, just riding his bike, when hit by the car.
The cyclist was thrown several metres from his bicycle as a result of the collision.
The driver of the BMW, which had no number plates affixed, failed to stop at the scene.
“We couldn’t see it without sort of any further investigation whether it’s intentional or not,” sergeant Hewatt said.
Witnesses stopped to assist the cyclist, who was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
He is now in a stable condition in hospital.
“He is doing pretty well, which is a good result for someone of his age, being 79,” sergeant Hewatt said.
“Shocking incident for him and his family. You’d think that where he’s riding, there’s not a lot of traffic, and you’d expect that you’re going to be pretty safe out there on a country road.
“Wearing a helmet obviously has helped him out a lot. It’s kept him safe.”
Police received reports of a vehicle, matching the description of the BMW, being driven erratically in Koo Wee Rup about 20 minutes after the collision.
The released CCTV footage shows the vehicle travelling on Denhams Road in Koo Wee Rup, with the hopes of someone being able to provide information on its whereabouts.
As a result of the collision, the BMW is missing a side mirror, which was located at the Devon Meadows scene.
Police are not aware if the car was stolen.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing, and police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV from around the area at the time of the collision to come forward.
“Investigation just continues to make some inquiries in relation to where this vehicle’s from and who was driving it, and obviously try to hold those people to account,” sergeant Hewatt said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
