BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE and IAN CROUCH
Police have arrested a man over an incident at North Arm Cove where two people were allegedly hit by a car.
Police say a white Ford Falcon was allegedly doing burnouts on Somerset Drive last Friday night when the driver lost control, hitting a 20-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl.
The vehicle caught fire and the driver fled, while the two injured females were taken to hospital in a serious condition.
Following extensive inquiries, a 22-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police Station yesterday (Monday 18 March, 2024).
He's been charged with two counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct (in charge of motor vehicle), interfere with person's enjoyment or risk safety, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury, negligent driving, and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 6 May 2024.
EARLIER:
A young woman and teenage girl have been seriously injured after being hit by a car at Port Stephens last night.
Around 11:40pm on Friday, 15 March, emergency services were called to Somerset Drive at North Arm Cove following reports two people had been injured by a car.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District officers arrived on scene to find a white Ford Falcon sedan had been performing burn-outs in front of a crowd of people when the driver lost control and struck a power pole, as well as the woman and girl beside it.
The sedan then caught fire, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the fire, and the sedan has been seized by police for forensic examination.
The 20-year-old woman and 14-year-old girl were treated on scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for pelvic and leg injuries. The pair were transported to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Police have established a crime scene on Somerset Drive and are appealing to the public for information.
Detectives hope to speak to the driver of the sedan who may be able to assist with inquiries.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
