Swerved to hit cyclist

By Lilly O’Gorman
POLICE are calling for witnesses to a vicious road rage attack on a teenage cyclist in Officer on the weekend.
Senior Sergeant Graham Higginbotham said an 18-year-old man from Pakenham was knocked off his pushbike deliberately by the driver of a four wheel drive who swerved to hit the young cyclist.
The cyclist was travelling along Officer South Road, towards Lecky Road, at 11.15am on Saturday 7 January when he heard a car approaching from behind.
Sen Sgt Higginbotham said the driver of the vehicle deliberately swerved and collided with the rear of the bike, which caused the victim to dive from the bike onto the nature strip in order to avoid serious injury.
The bike was dragged underneath the car for some distance, before the driver pulled over and proceeded to speak to the victim.
He showed no remorse for the accident or concern for the injured cyclist, Sen Sgt Higginbotham said, and told the victim, “as long as my car is OK.”
The driver then threw the injured teen’s shoes at him, pulled the bike from beneath the four-wheel-drive, and drove away.
The victim went to Casey Hospital with an injured elbow, bruises, soreness and scratches, but didn’t suffer serious injuries.
Police wish to speak to a male in relation to the incident who is aged in his late twenties and has a goatee. The vehicle is described as a white four-wheel-drive which had been raised. No witnesses had come forward at this stage.
“Luckily he suffered only minor injuries,” Sen Sgt Higginbotham said.
“The driver is looking at charges of reckless conduct endangering persons or endangering life and failure to exchange details.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Pakenham Police Station on 5945 2500.