Car seized in relation to running down Victorian cyclist
A car, believed to be involved in the hit run collision in regional Victoria on Friday, has been seized.
The vehicle was located at a Delacombe address, in Ballarat, and has been taken for forensic testing and investigators are still looking for the driver, Police Victoria have confirmed.
Alfredton cyclist Christian Ashby, was critically injured when he was struck down, and flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with severe leg and head injuries.
Police believe the hit was deliberate, but are yet to confirm if this is the case.
The wife of the father of two is pleading for those responsible to hand themselves in.
It is believed the 36-year-old highly regarded podiatrist suffered head and chest injuries, significant internal injuries and broke a number of bones.
He remains in a critical condition and his family said he will be there for a long time, according to the Ballarat Courier.
Police are still hunting for the driver the grey Mitsubishi Lancer with a body kit, who mowed down the cyclist and left him on the side of the Wendouree Parade, east of Morrison Street.
The driver of the vehicle did not stop.
Mr Ashby’s wife Karen said the family was “absolutely devastated” over the attack on her husband, who has been a member of the Ballarat Triathlon Club for the past three years.
“He rides around the lake purely for the safety factors. He’s an extremely safe rider and not a risk taker,” she said.
“Our children are right here beside me, and they absolutely love their dad.
“If anyone has any information that could lead to the people who did this... to the most special human being in the world... being held responsible (come forward).”
Major Collision Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Mark Amos said police were investigating if there were two people, possibly a man and a woman, in the vehicle at the time.
Police believe the vehicle’s front windscreen was broken, and it was last seen near Sutton Street at 8.45am on Friday.
“The car hasn’t been found. Our belief is that it is probably stored somewhere,” Detective Sergeant Amos said.
“Quite frankly, what’s occurred is not acceptable in anyway whatsoever.”
Police have released CCTV footage of a car they believe veered on to the wrong side of the road in Lake Wendouree, ploughing into the cyclist and then driving off around 6.30am on Friday.
The footage was captured two hours later by a garbage truck cabin video in nearby suburb Delacombe.
Anyone with any relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
