Carrum Downs alleged hit and run driver arrested after more than two days

The driver accused of leaving a cherished husband and father for dead on the side of a road has been arrested.

Police have arrested the man suspected of mowing down two men in his car in Melbourne this week, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

The 30-year-old was arrested at a property on Boundary Rd in Carrum Downs on Thursday and he will now be questioned by police over the collision on Tuesday.

A second man suspected of assisting the suspect flee the scene was also arrested.

The breakthrough comes after the death of Timmy Rakei, 44, who was struck by a car that ploughed through a section of road he was working on with his colleague.

The father from Bayswater died at the scene, while his 38-year-old colleague was flown to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Timmy Rakei died in a hit-run crash in Carrum Downs. Picture: Supplied

The arrests follow an intense two-day manhunt.

Loved ones of Mr Rakei earlier pleaded for the driver to “own up to what they have done”.

Relative Isobel Dayberg said the family had been left “devastated”.

“Everyone should be able to go to work to provide for your family and come home safe,” she told NCA NewsWire.

“We are all devastated and those involved need to come forward and own up to what they have done.

“Timmy is an amazing uncle to my kids and always checked in on us. We will miss you, Timmy.”

Police were also looking for another man who picked up the driver from the crash scene in a black Hyundai SUV. Picture: Victoria Police

Police said officers had earlier attempted to intercept the duo.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Dwyer, from the major collision investigation unit, said the driver fled despite the pleas of passers-by who witnessed the carnage unfold.

“He got out, looked directly at the two victims and ran off. It’s just a callous, cold act. It’s the act of a coward,” he said.

“We are pulling out all stops and we will find these people. Hand yourselves in, we have got your photograph.”

Mr Rakei was setting up traffic management for roadworks when he was hit by the car. Picture: Jason Edwards

WorkSafe was also investigating the incident, which took Victoria’s workplace fatality toll to 50 for this year.

The state’s workplace safety watchdog said Mr Rakei was setting up traffic management for roadworks when he was hit by the car.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of both men or information relating to the black Hyundai should phone triple-0.

Originally published as Carrum Downs alleged hit and run driver arrested after more than two days