Coolum hit-and-run driver flees after damaging parked car

A parked car was crushed in a hit-and-run incident, with the driver fleeing the scene but not before calling a mate for a tow.

A car in Coolum Beach was found damaged after a hit-and-run, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene. Photo: Lewis Jaenke

A hit-and-run on a parked car in Coolum Beach has left the owner searching for answers as local businesses review footage to help identify the driver.

Lewis Jaenke, whose Toyota Camry was damaged in the incident, said the crash happened about 5pm on Thursday.

Speaking about the discovery of his damaged car, Mr Jaenke said he was at work, about 100m away, when he was alerted by someone else.

A car in Coolum was found damaged after a hit-and-run, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene. Photo: Lewis Jaenke

“I found it around 6.10pm. A delivery man came into work and asked if we knew what happened to the car on the corner … I knew straight away it was going to be my car,” he said.

The crash was reportedly heard by several nearby businesses, and workers in high-visibility clothing cleared glass from the road.

However, the incident was not reported to police until Mr Jaenke found his car.

On Friday, Mr Jaenke conducted his own investigation, asking businesses to review CCTV footage and talking to employees in the area.

A car in Coolum was found damaged after a hit-and-run, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene. Photo: Lewis Jaenke

Witnesses described the vehicle involved as a white Toyota HiLux, likely a 2005-2010 model, with an alloy tray, bullbar, and red P-plates.

They reportedly saw the HiLux being driven by a young female wearing a McDonald’s uniform at the time of the crash.

“They lingered for 30 minutes to an hour,” Mr Jaenke said.

Mr Jaenke said after the collision, witnesses saw the woman driver swap places with a young male, described as about six feet tall with pale skin.

He added that other witnesses later saw the HiLux being snatch-strapped towed by a gunmetal grey SUV being driven by a woman.

A car in Coolum Beach was found damaged after a hit-and-run, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene. Photo: Lewis Jaenke

Mr Jaenke shared details of the incident on Facebook, urging anyone with dashcam footage or sightings of the damaged vehicle to come forward.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman confirmed on Friday officers were investigating the incident.

“Police are investigating a hit and run traffic crash yesterday,” the spokesman said.

“Around 6.30pm, an unknown vehicle hit a parked Toyota Camry on Focal Ave and left the scene.”

Anyone with information about the incident or the vehicle involved is encouraged to contact the police.

Originally published as Coolum hit-and-run driver flees after damaging parked car