Police have arrested two teenagers – one of whom has been charged – following an investigation into two cyclists that were hit by a car in the south-eastern suburbs last week.
Officers were called to Beach Road, Cheltenham, about 5.20am on Tuesday 23 January, after a cyclist was struck by a vehicle.
The cyclist – a 51-year-old Aspendale man – was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He was released from hospital on Tuesday 30 January.
A short time later a second cyclist, a 72-year-old man from Bentleigh East, was also involved in a collision on Beach Road in Beaumaris, near Tramway Parade.
The vehicle again allegedly failed to stop, and the second rider was also taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The rider remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Police recovered a Holden Astra in Black Rock, believed to have been stolen from Preston on 21 January, then used in the incidents.
Following enquiries, police arrested two 16-year-old boys in Noble Park, about 7.30pm last night.
A Noble Park boy was taken to hospital under police guard. He is expected to be charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
Police will allege a Clyde North boy was driving the stolen vehicle when it struck the cyclists and failed to stop to render assistance.
He was charged with 14 offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, intentionally cause serious injury, and drive in a manner dangerous.
He was also charged over an alleged robbery at a shopping centre on the Nepean Highway, Cheltenham on 26 January, as well as an alleged aggravated burglary in Bluegrass Close, Waterways, the following day.
He will appear in a children’s court later today.
Enquiries continue to locate more youths involved in the cyclist incidents.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
