By Jessica Anstice
An elderly man is fighting for life after he was struck down by a bicycle in Pakenham on Tuesday 12 November.
The cyclist fled the scene at about 8.20am, abandoning the critically injured 70-year-old man in the Main Street Plaza car park, outside the noodle shop.
Suffering severe head injuries, he was flown by air ambulance helicopter to The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Police arrested a 24-year-old man in relation to the incident in Cook Street in Pakenham about 11.20am, the same day. The Morwell man is assisting police with their enquiries.
On scene, the Gazette spoke with Holly, eyewitness and friend of the arrestee.
“I’m nervous because there are people out there that don’t want me to say anything,” Holly said.
“He’s been to jail before and I’m scared he’s going to get jailed again. It’s not the first time this has happened – hopefully he can get some medical help.
“He only would’ve done it because he didn’t get what he wanted this morning so he would’ve just flipped.”
Pakenham resident Jayden Hart spoke on the incident occurring so close to home.
“I think it’s disgusting to knock off a 79-year-old man,” he said.
“It’s pretty low – he’s a very easy target. It’s just weak.”
Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with information or footage that could assist police with their enquiries should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
