By Jessica Anstice
A man is fighting for life after he was struck down by a bicycle in Pakenham on Tuesday 12 November.
At the time of going to press the name of the victim had not been released, but word on the street was that it was local legend Kelvin Rees.
The cyclist fled the scene about 8.20am, leaving the 79-year-old critically injured and abandoned in the Main Street Plaza car park, outside the noodle shop.
Suffering severe head injuries, the victim was flown by air ambulance helicopter to The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Nicknamed ‘Lefty’, the kind-hearted Kelvin Rees is well known locally for voluntarily sweeping the streets of Pakenham every morning.
“Lefty has been in this town for many years and all he has done is helped this town by cleaning it up and sweeping in his own time,” Pakenham resident Melissa Moore said.
“Anyone that knows him knows him to be good in this town. He and his family are always helpful, loving and caring.
“For someone to hurt him that’s just not okay at all – it’s horrible. I’m truly saddened that someone would do that to him.”
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 inquiries.
On scene, the Gazette spoke with an eyewitness and friend of the man arrested.
“I’m nervous because there are people out there that don’t want me to say anything,” the woman 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.
“To pick up rubbish every morning without being paid is a pretty amazing thing to do.”
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
