Driver charged following fatal hit-and-run that killed 49-year-old father Colin Waters
A cyclist tragically killed during a hit-and-run in Melbourne has been identified as Taylors Lakes father Colin Waters.
The 49-year-old was fatally struck outside the Watergardens shopping centre on the Melton Highway in Taylors Lakes around 6.40am.
Police allege a 20-year-old Avondale Heights man struck the cyclist before fleeing the scene, later presenting himself to the Caroline Springs police station.
The father was killed when the bike he was riding collided with a car in Taylors Lakes. 9News
The p-plater has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop and failing to render assistance.
He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.
9NEWS understands Mr Waters has worked as an engineering contractor for Metro trains for several years, and was just a few hundred metres from home when he was fatally struck.
It’s understood a silver Commodore station wagon driven driven by the offender suffered significant damage to its windscreen and was recovered from a nearby home.
Witnesses have told police the man appeared to run a red light before striking the cyclist.
A man is helping police with enquiries after the road fatality. Nine
According to officers the driver did not call triple zero.
Police are looking at whether he was using his phone at the time or whether he was affected by drugs or alcohol.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Clanchy said it would have been “obvious” to the driver that he had struck someone.
“It is a very callous thing to do,” he said, “people have various reasons why they do it but the courts will look very seriously at a person leaving a scene and deal out the appropriate penalties.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision, with dash cam footage or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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