Emergency services called after alleged hit-and-run on M1 near Reedy Creek, then citizen’s arrest in Burleigh Waters

A man has been detained by police after allegedly fleeing a hit-and-run crash which ended with a dramatic citizen’s arrest along one of the Gold Coast’s busiest roads. Read what happened

Emergency services were called after an alleged hit-and-run on M1 near Reedy Creek. Picture: Generic/Queensland Police

A man has been detained by police after an alleged hit-and-run crash which ended with a dramatic citizen’s arrest along one of the Gold Coast’s busiest roads.

Emergency services were called to the incident on the M1 near Reedy Creek at around 10.30pm on Sunday.

It is alleged a white Hyundai was spotted speeding and driving recklessly on the Pacific Motorway before it smashed into the back of an orange Isuzu D-Max.

Gold Coast superintendent Brett Jackson said the 31-year-old Burleigh Waters man, who was driving the Hyundai, allegedly left the scene in the banged up car.

The car was spotted by a member of the public at the intersection of Bermuda St and Christine Ave in Burleigh Waters.

Supt Jackson said the member of the public followed the Hyundai before detaining the driver.

Police were called to the scene and arrested the 31-year-old, who was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital where a blood sample was taken.

After the arrest police searched the vehicle and allegedly found a small quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Gold Coast Superintendent Brett Jackson.

Supt Jackson said they were expecting to charge the man, depending on the test results.

Meanwhile, back on the M1 several members of the public attended to the 25-year-old man who was driving the D-Max.

“He suffered minor injuries and hopefully he is recovering well.”

Supt Jackson said police did not encourage people to perform citizen’s arrests because of the dangers posed to them.

“In this instance a number of members of the public felt that it was appropriate to do so and we do acknowledge and thank them for intervening,” he said.

“However, it’s definitely something we don’t encourage people to do because you don’t know what you may face when you do.”

Supt Jackson urged the public to call triple-0 and “maintain visual”, but not to intervene.

“One thing to be mindful of, is police operate under the Police Powers and Responsibility Act so we have the power to physically restrain, detain and arrest people under certain circumstances,” he said.

“Those powers are not afforded to the general public.”