Man arrested over fatal alleged hit-and-run in Brisbane’s Chermside – as cops probe whether car set alight nearby is linked

A man accused of hitting a 70-year-old pedestrian and leaving him to die continued to drive to work after the alleged accident.

Queensland Police arrested a 35-year-old man following the alleged hit-and-run in Chermside, north of Brisbane, about 5.15am on Thursday.

It is believed the elderly man was out for a morning walk when he was struck by a car at the intersection of Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road.

Acting Detective Inspector Ken Rogers said the arrested man borrowed the car believed to be involved in the crash from someone he knew.

It is alleged that the driver, from Joyner, did not stop to help the man, but instead drove to work, leaving the man in critical condition with injuries to his head, pelvis and leg.

The man in his 60s was treated at the scene by paramedics but died on the way to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

Detective Inspector Rogers confirmed police believe a vehicle found burnt out on Awaba Street, near Wavell Heights, was involved in the crash.

Residents first noticed the burning car shortly after 6 a.m. Police and firefighters examined the Honda CR-V for several hours before it was towed from the scene around 10 a.m.

The 35-year-old suspected driver was arrested this morning at his workplace in Geebung, the police said. Courier mail reported.

Detective Inspector Rogers said he should be charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death with reckless disregard, failing to remain at the scene and arson of the vehicle.

Police say he was alone in the car at the time of the accident.

The suspected hit-and-run driver is assisting police, with Inspector Rogers noting he was “still pretty shaken up.”

“I can say that shortly after he was located, he was physically and emotionally distraught,” he said.

It appears that the pedestrian was walking westbound along Murphy Road when he was struck by the vehicle while it was allegedly running a red light at the intersection of Kittyhawk Drive.

Queensland Police say the arrested man has made some admissions relating to the crash.

Residents near the crash said they heard a loud bang early Thursday morning, but initially thought it was a garbage collection truck.

“It’s our trash day on a Thursday, so I thought it was the lids of the municipal trash cans closing, but then I heard a massive explosion,” one said.

“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 accident unit spent several hours at the scene Thursday morning and detectives were seen removing several items of evidence, including a pair of sneakers.

Investigations continue. Anyone with CCTV or information is asked to contact police.