Man charged with murder after Bacchus Marsh hit-run
A man has been charged with murder after he turned himself in to police for allegedly fleeing on foot from a crash which claimed the life of a young motorcyclist at Bacchus Marsh.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A man who was a passenger in a ute involved in a fatal hit-run in Bacchus Marsh has been charged with murder.
The 31-year-old Pentland Hills man allegedly fled on foot after Wednesday night’s crash, which claimed the life of motorcyclist Jake Smith, 24.
The man turned himself in to police about 3pm on Friday and was charged with murder.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The driver of the ute, a 36-year-old Dandenong man, was arrested along with a 28-year-old Pentland Hills man, who was also a passenger.
Police said the pair stayed at the scene of the smash while the third man allegedly ran off.
It is believed all parties are known to each other.
Police said 24-year-old Jake Smith’s motorcycle was hit by the ute on Woolpack Rd in Maddingley about 7.15pm on Wednesday.
Homicide squad detectives were called in after major collision investigation unit officers became aware of the possibility of a deliberate act.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said the parties knew each other.
Mr Patton said he wouldn’t say whether they were known to police.
He said the joint investigation was “due to certain circumstances that are being alleged to have occurred”.
Tributes online said Mr Smith was “taken away too soon”.
“The good die young but a beautiful soul like yours will never be forgotten,” an online tribute said.
A gold Toyota was in the area at the time but not involved in the crash.
Paramedics were unable to save Mr Smith, who died at the scene.
The male ute driver allegedly fled the scene, driving down the road before eventually pulling over.
He and a male passenger were arrested but another passenger fled on foot and had not been caught on Thursday night.
Bacchus Marsh farmer John Zdero said he heard a “big bang”, which was followed by the police air wing overhead.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
MORE NEWS
‘IDIOT’ SPEEDSTERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF LIGHT TRAFFIC