Arrest of hit-run driver who fled fatal Carrum Downs crash that killed Timmy Rakei
Police have charged a 25-year-old Carrum Downs man over a horror hit-run that killed beloved father Timmy Rakei as another man remains in custody.
Victoria
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Police have charged one man and another remains in custody over the horror hit-run that killed a beloved father of four.
On Thursday night, detectives charged a 25-year-old Carrum Downs man with being an accessory to impede, apprehension or prosecution, drive while disqualified, reckless conduct endangering life, drive in a dangerous manner while being pursued by police and failure to stop when directed by police.
He will face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.
A 30-year-old man of no fixed address is also in custody. He was arrested about 2pm on Thursday and is expected to be interviewed by detectives on Friday. Police swooped on him at a Boundary Rd factory in Carrum Downs after it is alleged he drove a red Holden Commodore at speed on Tuesday, killing one man and injuring another.
Timmy Rakei, 44, died at the scene while colleague Shaun Kilmartin, 38, was left with life-changing injuries.
The pair were cordoning off a section of the road near the intersection of Lats Ave about 7.15am on Tuesday when the horror smash unfolded. CCTV captured the alleged driver fleeing the scene on foot and calling a mate to pick him up.
On Thursday, the 30-year-old man was taken to Frankston police station and was interviewed by detectives. The Carrum Downs man also attended the station about 3pm.
Mr Rakei’s partner Tania Boyte attended the crash site on Thursday and left a heartfelt written tribute.
“Forever in our hearts,” she wrote. “Love you my hun.”
She thanked first responders for their involvement amid the chaotic crash scene.
“Me and my boys visited the site that changed our lives forever,” Ms Boyte said online.
“Neighbours came out from everywhere, showing their love to us, some crying and apologising that they couldn’t do more for our Timmy.
“I was so grateful to meet the two tradies who chased this lowlife, to the other two men who covered my Timmy.
“To the random people who placed beautiful flowers at the site, you are all such beautiful people, and I can not thank you enough.”
Mr Rakei’s relative Isobel Dayberg said Thursday’s arrests were a relief for the family, which had been tormented by the pair’s actions.
“It won’t bring Timmy back but the main thing is someone will be held to account for this awful situation,” Ms Dayberg said. “You wouldn’t want it to go on for years and years and drag on.”
She said the family was “still coming to terms” with the sudden loss and planned to have a Friday night Zoom chat with extended family in New Zealand to honour Mr Rakei’s life.
“We will share all the memories and have a wine together,” she said.
Multiple bouquets of flowers as well as photos, cards and notes were at the crash site on Thursday.
“He was always joking, always being silly – but he was great at his job. His colleagues are going to miss him being silly and having a laugh.”
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Mr Rakei died when a speeding driver ploughed into him and a colleague on Hall Rd, while they were working cordoning off a section of the road about 7.15am on Tuesday.
The driver was in a red Holden Commodore that did not belong to him, driving in excess of the 40km/h speed limit.
A statement from Mr Rakei’s employer, Altus Traffic, said the company “remains heartbroken, shocked and angered by the death of one of our crew members”.
“Timmy (Rakei) was 44 years old and is survived by his partner and four children,” the statement said.
The statement said Mr Rakei’s partner, Tania, described him as a “loving and hardworking family man”.
“I expected that he would come home like any other day. We are just devastated and it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” she said in the statement.
“I’m going to miss him so much,” she said.
The employer launched a crowdfunding campaign to collect donations for Mr Rakei’s grieving family.
Family members shared tributes online, saying every person deserves to go to work and come home safely.
Another relative, Honeyii Terehia Kepa, said she was grateful for Mr Rakei’s kindness, relaying a story of his compassion during a recent hospital stay.
“The true definition of an uncle, thank you for everything” she said online.
“All the memories from when we were little, all the outings, all the love you gave me and my son, gonna miss you so much.”
Mr Rakei had worked for Altus Traffic for more than a decade and was described by colleagues as a “gentle giant”.
“We’re reeling over the fact we’ve lost him,” one work colleague said.
“People were so visibly distressed during the meeting that they needed to leave.”
The colleague, who had completed “hundreds of jobs” with Mr Rakei, said he was a level five traffic controller — the highest level of attainment at Altus.
Mr Rakei’s injured colleague is 38-year-old Traralgon man Shaun Kilmartin, who remains in the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Police on Wednesday said the man had suffered “life-changing” injuries as a result of the accident.
Altus Traffic chief Ben Marsonet said he had “no words” for the person responsible.
“This was a tragedy, initiated by a callous individual who left the scene once he realised what he had done,” Mr Marsonet said.
“I have no words for a person like that and hope the police are successful in finding him quickly,” he said.
“We are doing everything we can to support the families, friends and communities of both Timmy and Shaun, as well as their colleagues.”
POLICE SLAM ‘COWARD’ DRIVER
The hit-run driver concealed his face with a dark hoodie and fled the scene on foot, ignoring pleas to stop made by a good Samaritan who attempted to catch him.
Minutes after the smash, the driver made a phone call to a male associate and was soon after picked up in a black Hyundai SUV, which was later spotted by police on Ballarto Rd, prompting a pursuit.
Officers attempted to intercept the duo but the accomplice drove dangerously at police and escaped the scene.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Dwyer from the major collision investigation unit on Tuesday revealed police hit a hurdle after discovering the getaway black Hyundai SUV vehicle was bearing false registration plates.
“(This) presents its own problems,” he said.
Sgt Dwyer said police had spoken to the owner of the red Holden Commodore.
“He has been assisting us with our inquiries,” he said.
“But (the registered owner) was unable to provide the details of who the actual person in possession of the vehicle was.
“There are some details around that I am not in a position to explain. It is part of the ongoing investigation.”
On Tuesday, he slammed the driver and said it was a “callous, cold act” to flee the crash.
“It is the act of a coward,” he said.
“The driver has gotten out of the Holden, looked directly at the two victims and then ran off. We are pulling out all stops and we will find these people. Hand yourselves in, we have got your photograph.”
Sgt Dwyer said the accomplice’s behaviour was “just as bad” and was “unacceptable behaviour”.
Colleagues paid tribute to Mr Rakei, saying he was a loving father.
A former workmate said he would be missed.
“He was a great mate and a respected member of our Altus traffic family,” he wrote on Facebook.
“He will be missed.
“Traffic management is a dangerous job, regardless of how many years we’ve been doing the job.”
He pleaded with motorists to obey signage and speed limits in force.
“We care for your safety. Please care for ours.”
Carol Haeusler, who lives metres from the crash scene, said it was “really, really sad.
“The police have to go round to maybe tell their partner and their kids that their father or mother isn’t coming home,” she said.
She said she did not see the hit-run driver flee the scene.
Ms Haeusler said she often heard cars speeding up and down Hall Rd, sometimes forcing her to call the police.
“Every night we have the same problem with cars coming up and down speeding,” she said.
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