NT crime: 30-year-old man charged after pedestrian’s hit and run death in Coconut Grove

‘You will be caught’: A man has turned himself in to Northern Territory Police and charged in relation to a fatal hit and run in Coconut Grove.

Latest, May 31: A man has handed himself into authorities in relation to a fatal hit and run in Coconut Grove late on Wednesday night.

The man handed himself in to detectives at the Darwin Police Station, where he was arrested on Thursday afternoon.

Police found his vehicle on Woods St and declared a crime scene as major crash detectives and forensic officers investigated the car.

Police have since seized the vehicle.

The 30-year-old has been charged with hit and run causing death and bailed to appear in the Darwin Local Court on June 13.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said the public had helped the investigation by providing information and CCTV footage.

“The investigation remains in its early stages and we continue to urge anyone with information to contact us on 131 444,” he said.

“It is a lawful requirement of all drivers to stop and help after a crash and report to police. If you flee a crash scene, you will be caught.”

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

The death is the 24th on Territory roads this year, compared to four at the same time last year.

A total of 31 people died in road-related deaths in 2023.

Police close in on alleged driver in fatal hit and run incident

Update, May 20, 11.30am: NT Police have called on the driver involved in a fatal hit and run to come forward as investigations continue.

The vehicle struck the 42-year-old victim on Progress Drive in Coconut Grove about 11.50pm Wednesday.

It is understood the victim was on the road at the time of the incident.

The driver allegedly did not stop at the scene and drove off instead of rendering assistance or reporting the incident.

A St John Ambulance team found the man dead at the scene, with Major Crash Detectives declaring a crime scene soon after.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said detectives had identified a vehicle of interest recorded on dashcam.

Police described the vehicle involved as a light-colour older model sedan.

“Operation Mandible, comprising a team of Major Crash and Crime Division detectives, has commenced this morning,” he said.

“Detectives have now identified a vehicle of interest recorded on dashcam CCTV which captured the crash.

“I urge the driver to attend a local police station as soon as possible. It is not too late to do the right thing and hand yourself in before we identify you.”

Police urge witnesses or anyone with information, including friends or family of the driver involved, contact on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2400053268.

NT Police are investigating the hit and run death of a male pedestrian in Nightcliff. About five cars blockaded Progress Dr while a crime scene was in place. Picture: Katie Hall

Hit and run investigation launches after Nightcliff fatal crash

Initial 7am: Police are investigating the hit and run death of a 42-year-old man in Nightcliff.

Northern Watch Commander Donna Cayley on Thursday morning told the NT News the pedestrian, who was struck on Progress Drive was reported to police about 11.45pm Wednesday.

Sergeant Cayley said witnesses to the incident called for help after the driver of the vehicle failed to stop and drove away.

She said the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene when police and paramedics arrived.

Sergeant Cayley said Major Crash detectives established a crime scene and “recorded evidence at the scene overnight”.

Police at the scene directed motorists to detour while initial investigations were conducted.

Sergeant Cayley said detectives urged witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident to contact police on 131 444.

Sergeant Cayley said Progress Drive had been reopened.

The NT’s road toll has climbed to 24, compared to four deaths recorded at this time last year.