A man has been arrested moments after getting off a plane at Sydney Airport after a grandfather was killed in a suspected hit-and-run.
Damodor Shrestha, 79, was struck and killed on Abell Road in Melonba, near Blacktown in Sydney’s west, shortly after 11.15pm on Sunday 30 June.
The grandfather, who was allegedly hit from behind by the driver of a purple coupe, went unnoticed by several passing vehicles after the incident.
A 32-year-old man was arrested by police as he returned to Australia on an international flight at around 11.30am on Wednesday.
Both New South Wales Police and the Australian Border Force (ABF) attended the airport.
The man was charged with failing to stop and render assistance after a vehicle collision causing death, dangerous driving causing death, negligent driving causing death and failing to provide details to police.
He was remanded in custody at Downing Centre Local Court on 11 July.
The arrest comes after Shrestha’s daughter Sagun described him as a “loving father, husband and a source of inspiration to his grandchildren”.
Damodor Shrestha, 79 (pictured), was killed in an alleged hit-and-run on June 30.
Police have released images of the purple coupe (pictured) allegedly involved in the incident.
She told 9News the 79-year-old’s death was “absolutely devastating.”
Mr Shresha died just hours after attending his daughter’s 25th wedding anniversary and his devastated family urged the driver to hand himself over.
Police have launched a public appeal for information and released images of the robbery in the hope of attracting witnesses.
Detective Inspector Michael Walsh described the alleged hit-and-run as a “cruel act”.
“The vehicle is likely to have damage to the front, especially to the headlight and windshield,” he explained.
The section of street where Mr Shrestha died has no sidewalk, forcing residents to walk on the street.
Bankstown Council has confirmed that construction will begin on Abell Road after residents complained about a lack of pavements.
Local resident Karan Nagir blamed the lack of infrastructure and roads in the area where new housing is being built.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.