UOW, Samson Byshomi: Ahmer Nasir bailed over allegations he hit pedestrian and took off
A 21-year-old man accused of hitting a man with his Suzuki before taking off allegedly told police he thought he’d hit a bird despite extensive damage to his car.
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A University of Wollongong international student has been granted bail after he allegedly hit a pedestrian in Cringila and took off, telling police he thought he’d hit a bird.
Ahmer Nasir, 21, was arrested and charged on Sunday after he allegedly hit 24-year-old Samson Byshomi with his white Suzuki as he was crossing Lake Ave around 10pm on September 19.
Police allege Nasir took off after hitting Mr Byshomi, who was left fighting for life with critical head and leg injuries.
Police appealed for public assistance following the crash and Nasir was arrested at his West Wollongong home on Sunday afternoon.
He was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (drive manner dangerous), fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm, and negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm).
In court on Monday, Magistrate Robert Walker agreed to grant Nasir strict bail, noting while he is from Pakistan, there was no flight risk given the pandemic restrictions.
In documents tendered to the court, police allege Mr Byshomi rolled over the top of the car heavily after as a result of the impact, before colliding with the ground.
Mr Byshomi’s friends rushed to their unconscious friend’s aid and rendered assistance after Nasir allegedly drove off.
Mr Byshomi was later flown to St George Hospital and underwent emergency surgery.
Following his arrest, police allege in documents that Nasir said he drove off because he “thought he’d hit a bird” despite extensive damage to his vehicle.
“The accused stated he drove home to West Wollongong before checking his vehicle for damage,” court documents read.
“After seeing the damage the accused and his flat mate drove back to where he believed the collision had occurred, however was unable to find the crash location.”
As part of his bail conditions, Magistrate Walker banned for entering any international departure point, from drinking alcohol or taking drugs and contacting Mr Byshomi or any witnesses.
He will return to court next month.