Alleged hit-and-run driver hands himself into police after four-day search

A 22-YEAR-OLD man, who is alleged to have been the driver of a car that hit 5-year-old Paikea Hiko in Leanyer, has handed himself into police

Paikea Hiko, 5, was crossing Vanderlin Drive with his older brother and another friend on Monday afternoon, when he was struck by a car at the lights. Picture: Che Chorley

A 22-YEAR-OLD man, who is alleged to have been the driver of a car that hit 5-year-old Paikea Hiko in Leanyer, has handed himself into police.

The man handed himself into Major Crash Investigation Unit detectives last night.

It follows a raid on a property in Nakara where the car allegedly involved in the incident, a silver 2005 Ford Falcon BA XR6 sedan, was seized.

The hit an run on Monday on Vanderlin Dr resulted in Paikea sustaining several broken bones and bruised organs.

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The 22-year-old was charged with one count of hit and run cause serious harm.

He was refused bail and will appear in the Darwin Local Court today.

Detective Senior Constable First Class Rhys Studders thanked the public for their assistance in locating the vehicle and driver.

“We received numerous tips from members of the public with information and sightings of vehicles, and we followed every one of those leads,” he said.

“Had this man not handed himself in, it really was only a matter of time before we were knocking on his door.

“I’d like to thank the public for being our eyes and ears, particularly those who called us with information. Your assistance is greatly appreciated”.

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