Driver allegedly involved in Brinkin triple hit and run arrested

A man who allegedly drove over three sleeping people and then reversed back over them has been charged. Find out the latest.

NT police investigating a hit and run that left three people in a critical condition early in Brinkin on April 19, 2024. Picture: Alex Treacy

Police have arrested a 21-year-old male driver who they allege reversed over three people, critically injuring two and seriously injuring another, after striking them during a U-turn before driving away in an early morning hit and run.

The man was charged over the weekend with three counts of hit and run causing serious harm, and was bailed to appear in court on May 14.

In a statement, NT Police said two men and a woman were struck by a vehicle about 1.50am on Friday with the incident reported by a passer-by about 3.10am.

The three people struck were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, two in a critical condition and one in a serious condition.

“While conducting a U-turn at the end of the cul-de-sac, the man drove over three people sleeping on the roadway about 1.50am,” Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said.

“Police will allege the driver reversed back over the injured persons, before immediately driving away from the scene without stopping to render any assistance.”

The man was a driver for Top End Distribution, which is subcontracted to deliver newspapers for NT News.

NT Police Major Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene of a suspected hit-and-run at Trower Rd, Brinkin, in which three people suffered serious injuries, April 19, 2024. Picture: Alex Treacy

The man later handed himself in to Major Crash detectives at the Palmerston Police Station as a result of police enquiries and public assistance.

Police seized his white van, which is undergoing forensic testing.

Officers from the Major Crash Investigation Unit remained on scene for much of the morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lindner said people must stop to assist anyone injured in a crash or motor incident.

“Detectives wish to thank the public for assisting with the investigation, including those who provided CCTV footage and information regarding the identity of the driver,” he said.

“Regardless of whether you are at fault in a crash or not, you must stop to assist anyone injured in a crash and then call police.”

The three injured people remain in hospital and are receiving treatment.

The man remains in custody and is expected to be charged with three counts of hit and run causing serious harm.

Sunglasses, clothing scattered at scene of Brinkin hit and run

Initial April 19: Police are seeking witnesses who may have seen a driver allegedly hit and injure three people in an early morning hit and run.

In a statement, NT Police said three people – two men and a woman – were struck by a vehicle on Trower Rd near the coastal reserve in Brinkin some time early on Friday morning, with the incident reported by a passerby at approximately 3.10am.

Emergency services arrived and took the three victims to hospital, with two reported as suffering critical injuries and the third in a serious condition.

A crime scene has been declared and officers from the Major Crash Investigation Unit remained on scene for much of the morning.

The hit and run appeared to have occurred in a small cul-de-sac about 100m before the entrance of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve.

NT Police Major Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene of a suspected hit-and-run at Trower Rd, Brinkin, in which three people suffered serious injuries, April 19, 2024. Picture: Alex Treacy

As at 10.20am, there remained two officers from the Major Crash Investigation Unit, who were phographing the scene, in addition to a general duties officer securing the scene.

In the centre of the cul-de-sac is a cluster of clothing items, including shoes, a well as other various debris.

On the grass verge a short distance away there is a pair of sunglasses that has been marked number 76.

There are some dark smudges on the road that appear to be blood.

NT police investigating a hit and run that left three people in a critical condition early in Brinkin on April 19, 2024. Picture: Alex Treacy

One man who was leaving a house barely 100m away from the scene said he first realised something was amiss when he let the dog out in the morning and saw police vehicles.

The woman he was with said Thursday nights were usually very quiet in the neighbourhood, compared with Friday night, which is when the hoons come out to play.

“It’s very unusual,” she said.

Another man a few doors further up said he likewise didn’t hear any commotion overnight.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said investigators were seeking CCTV footage from the area from between 1am and 4am.

NT Police Major Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene of a suspected hit-and-run at Trower Rd, Brinkin, in which three people suffered serious injuries, April 19, 2024. Picture: Alex Treacy

“We have identified a vehicle of interest observed on CCTV travelling in the area at the time of the incident. It is described as a light-coloured van,” he said.

“We are seeking CCTV footage from the area between 1am and 4am and appealing for residents with street-facing CCTV in Brinkin, Nakara and Tiwi to contact police to assist the investigation.

“With assistance from the public, it’s inevitable that we will identify the vehicle and driver involved so we are appealing for the driver to immediately make contact with police or attend the nearest police station.”

Police urge anyone with any information that can assist the investigation to make contact on 131 444.