Father killed by car in Perth alleged rampage hailed as 'true gentleman'
Colleagues say a loving father was on top of the world just hours before he was hit and killed by a car during an alleged rampage in Perth.
Peter Sponza was at work as a concreter yesterday when he was struck by a silver Holden Commodore allegedly driven by a knife-wielding man in Bayswater.
The 52-year-old was rushed to hospital, where he died from his injuries. The alleged driver was charged with murder, reckless driving and other offences.
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Peter Sponza was at work as a concreter yesterday when he was struck by a silver Holden Commodore allegedly driven by a knife-wielding man in Bayswater. 9News
Sponza's workplace, TNE Civil, told 9News he was a "true gentleman".
"We are all utterly devastated by the passing of our TNE brother," the company said.
"He will be missed beyond words."
Sponza had worked for the company for a year after moving to the area from the east coast.
"He was excellent at what he did and so committed to his work," TNE Civil said.
"He looked after everyone on his crew, and we all knew it would be a good day if we got to work alongside of him.
"Nothing was ever a hassle for him, and he would stop everything he was doing just to help someone else out."
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The 52-year-old was rushed to hospital, where he died from his injuries. The alleged driver was charged with murder, reckless driving and other offences. 9News
Just yesterday, before he was hit by the car, Sponza received a call letting him know he had been granted custody of his two children.
His colleagues told 9News he was "on top of the world".
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti offered her thoughts to Sponza's family following his death.
"It is tragic and my thoughts go out to the family of the person who was unfortunately killed and of course all of those who had to experience what would have been a confronting, awful thing happening," she said.
Emergency services were called to the corner of Coode Street and Railway Parade in Bayswater at about 11am today. 9News
The alleged driver of the car was arrested near the scene of the crash yesterday.
The 29-year-old man from the Great Southern Region has today been charged with five offences, including murder and aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm.
He is due to face court tomorrow.
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