Fitzroy North Village traders turn detective to help catch runaway truck driver
It happens all the time, someone sideswipes a car and drives off, leaving the poor victim to foot the bill. But when a truck driver clipped a car in Fitzroy North he wasn’t counting on traders turning into sleuths to help out a loyal customer.
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A truck driver who caused $9000 damage to a car before fleeing the scene has been nabbed thanks to some keen detective work by two Fitzroy North Village traders.
The victim, Ian, who did not want his surname published, parked his 2019 Holden Commodore outside St Georges Rd eatery Piccante Cafe just after 5am on Friday, January 24.
Ian had just ordered his double shot cappuccino – as he had done almost every day for seven years – when the tearaway truck driver sideswiped his car.
CCTV footage shows the truck driver making a Hail Mary play to get past a tram.
The driver narrowly avoids the tram but collides with Ian’s Commodore.
Piccante owner Dom – who also didn’t want his surname used – said he tried to take down the number plate of the truck but the driver fled the scene.
Ian then tried to jump into his car to follow it but the driver’s side door was stuck due to the damage.
Ian said he was contemplating what to tell insurance when Dom, and Fitzroy Gifts & Smokes operator Ramsey Houli jumped into help.
Dom was able get a faint glimpse of the company name on the truck.
He circulated the information to his friends who spend most of their day on the road.
Dom’s all points bulletin was successful after a friend spotted the truck with a phone number written on its side.
In the meantime, Mr Houli accessed the CCTV from his store which proved they had the right driver.
Ian contacted the driver who denied “hitting anyone”.
The driver changed his tune after Ian told him he had five witnesses and CCTV footage.
“He said it wasn't him then when I told him about the evidence he said ‘maybe I did do it’,” Ian said.
“I’m thankful for the help of the village traders because I might never have tracked the driver down without it.”
Dom said he “couldn’t believe” the driver did a runner.
“The bloke tried to beat a tram but he had no chance,” he said.
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Mr Houli said he didn’t hesitate handing over the CCTV footage.
“We’re a close-knit community here so anything I can do to help I will,” he said.
“Ian is a regular but I would’ve done it for anyone.”
The matter is now being investigated by an insurance company.
Ian said the repair bill was estimated to be about $9000.