In a case of being in the right place at the right time, Night Patrol were able to help save the life of a 5 year old boy who was hit by a car on Monday evening September 21, on Vanderline Drive in Leanyer.
The horrible hit and run accident happened just as Night Patrol officers were returning from Palmerston at about 5.30pm, and because they were at the pedestrian intersection in front of the Leanyer Water Park just when the boy was struck, were able to help save his life.
The accident was right in front of them
“The Youth Patrol services were heading towards Casuarina and the boy was hit right in front of them” said Josef Petterson the Patrol Services Coordinator at Larrakia Nation.
The Patrol officers jumped out of the car and ran across the road to help the boy. By the time they got there another person had taken the boy off the road and laid him on the footpath. The officer said he was just lying there with no breath and no response. One of the officers applied CPR until the boy regained consciousness.
Patrol service Coordinator explained both officers are receiving counselling and are having a break from work.
Officers are still shaken up
“They were in shock that night and are still pretty shaken up, so they had a break from work and are getting some counselling” explained Josef.
Larrakia Nation are proud of the way the officers responded and is relieved that the boy, while still in hospital with broken legs and other injuries is going to be ok.
Man in custody
Three nights later, on September 24 the 22-year-old male driver handed himself in to the Major Crash Investigation Unit, he’ll be charged with one count of hit and run causing serious harm.
Detective Senior Constable Rhys Studders thanked the public for their help.
“We received numerous tips from members of the public with information and sightings of vehicles, and we followed every one of those leads.
Had this man not handed himself in, it really was only a matter of time before we were knocking on his door.
I’d like to thank the public for being our eyes and ears, particularly those who called us with information. Your assistance is greatly appreciated”.