Ex-police minister’s dad in hit-run investigation
The father of former NSW police minister Troy Grant has been charged with drink driving after allegedly being involved in a police chase. He will also be questioned over a separate fatal hit and run near to where police pulled him over.
NSW
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EXCLUSIVE: The father of former NSW police minister Troy Grant has been charged with drink driving after allegedly being involved in a police chase and will be questioned over a separate fatal hit and run near to where police pulled him over.
A highway patrol command vehicle was responding to reports of a pedestrian fatality near Maitland on Saturday night about 11.30pm when they allegedly saw a white Mazda BT50 ute travelling south on Belmore Rd, Lorn in an erratic manner.
Police allege a short pursuit at low speed took place after 72-year-old Ken Grant failed to pull over when directed.
They said the vehicle then mounted the gutter where police then arrested Grant.
He allegedly failed a roadside breath test before being taken to Maitland Police Station where he blew 0.108 in a second breath analysis.
Police charged him with drive with mid-range PCA, being involved in a police pursuit and not stop/drive recklessly.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on December 18.
Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit has seized Grant’s car and his licence was immediately suspended.
Troy Grant last night told The Daily Telegraph he knew very little about the situation but felt terribly for the dead pedestrian’s family.
“I have very limited information … My first thoughts are with the family and I’m devastated for them,” Mr Grant said.
Police had been responding to reports a 62-year-old male pedestrian had been hit and killed in the neighbouring suburb Bolwarra, and the intersection of Paterson and Flat roads.
Paramedics attempted to save the man at the scene before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police believe the vehicle responsible for the fatality left the scene and have appealed for witnesses.
Investigators are probing whether the two incidents are linked and are calling for information from the public.
Troy Grant was police and emergency services minister from 2017-2019 before he retired after the March election.
He was the Nationals leader for the seat of Dubbo from 2011. His father Ken is also a former police officer who was proud of his son’s political career.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she had not called the former minister when asked about the incident this morning.
“They’re matters for him and his family,” she said.