Teenager charged after boy, 12, dies in Wollongong crash potentially link to TikTok trend
Police have charged a teenager following the death of a 12-year-old boy, who was found injured inside a Wollongong home, this week.
The boy was found seriously injured inside a Balgownie home in the early hours of Tuesday, and was pronounced dead after being transferred to Wollongong Hospital.
The callout came less than half an hour after a black Holden Barina was found wrapped around a traffic light nearby in Towradgi.
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A loud bang rang out across a Wollongong suburb after a stolen black Barina crashed into a traffic light. Supplied
However, when police inspected the vehicle, which had been stolen from a Koonawarra address on Saturday, they found the occupants had fled.
Police have managed to "established links" between the death of the boy and the crash, and arrested a teenager last night.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested at Goulburn Police Station about 6.00pm after police issued a public appeal.
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CCTV captured the moment paramedics rushed to the Balgownie home. 9News
He was charged with six offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, fail to stop and render assistance after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, cause injury by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle and unlicensed driver.
He was refused bail and will appear at a Children's Court today.
A witness, Toloa Mataele, previously told 9News they saw the boy get into a silver car travelling with the group after the crash.
Shortly before emergency services were called to help the boy, a black Barina crashed into a pole. 9News
"He was a bit wobbly, I mean not conscious but still good enough to walk," he said.
Earlier this week police confirmed they were investigating whether a TikTok trend among teenagers filming themselves stealing cars and breaking into properties is related to this incident.
Police are calling for anyone with information or dashcam relevant to the crash investigation to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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