Woman, 73, turns herself in after Melbourne toddler killed in hit-and-run
A 73-year-old woman has come forward after a fatal hit-and-run in Melbourne’s west that has left a young family grieving.
It’s believed she was behind the wheel when a red sedan collided with a three-year-old boy in Sunshine North on Thursday night.
Police say the toddler was struck at around 6.30pm on McIntyre Road and dragged under the vehicle for 20 to 30 metres.
He was rushed to Royal Children’s Hospital in critical condition but tragically passed away around midnight.
“As you can imagine the family is absolutely overwhelmed with the death of that young child,” Superintendent John Fitzpatrick told reporters on Friday.
“Losing a beautiful young child like that is going to be devastating.”
“The mother is beside herself with grief.”
While investigations are continuing, police believe the boy and his mum may have been leaving the nearby childcare centre when he broke free and ran out into the road.
The woman from Heathcote Junction handed herself into police on Friday morning and will be interviewed later today.
Her vehicle, which sustained damage to the front right hand side of the car, will also undergo forensic testing.
“Having a quick look at the vehicle, it’s pretty evident that you would know that you’ve hit something,” Superintendent Fitzpatrick said.
“Whether that driver knew they hit a child, or something else, is still to be determined.”
Police are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time and has dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers, including businesses who may have captured the incident on CCTV.
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