Teenager Airlifted to Hospital with Life-Threatening Injuries
A 16-year-old pedestrian is in a critical condition after an alleged hit and run incident on the New South Wales South Coast. The teenager was struck by a vehicle while standing on a footpath in Ulladulla on Sunday evening, January 25.
Driver Allegedly Under the Influence of Multiple Substances
Police report that the driver, a 27-year-old man from Canberra, was allegedly under the influence of both alcohol and illicit drugs at the time of the collision. A roadside breath test returned a reading of 0.091, which is nearly double the legal limit for driving in Australia.
Further testing allegedly revealed the presence of cocaine and ecstasy in the driver's system. Officers also discovered a knife and small quantities of both drugs during their investigation of the vehicle.
Dramatic Police Pursuit and Multiple Charges
The incident unfolded around 11:10 PM when emergency services were called to Parsons Street in Ulladulla. Paramedics treated the seriously injured teenager at the scene before he was airlifted to Canberra Hospital in critical condition.
Police allege the driver failed to stop after the collision. Officers later sighted the white Toyota Hilux with ACT registration traveling southbound along the Princes Highway near East Lynne. The vehicle was eventually stopped in Mount Agony Road.
The Canberra man now faces eleven separate charges including:
- Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm
- Negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm
- Failing to stop and provide details after an accident
- Reckless driving
- Drink driving and drug driving offences
- Carrying a weapon in public
- Possession of prohibited drugs
Bail Refused Twice as Investigation Continues
The accused appeared in Bail Division Court on Monday, January 26, where he was refused bail for the second time. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for February 23 at Batemans Bay Local Court.
NSW Police have confirmed their investigation into the incident is ongoing. The drug test results will undergo further analysis before any additional charges are considered.
This serious incident has shocked the local community and highlights the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The teenage victim continues to fight for his life in hospital while the legal process moves forward against the accused driver.
