Updated, Saturday 4:30pm: A 23-year-old learner driver from Newnham has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly evading a police breath testing site in Burnie and subsequently hitting a pedestrian.
Police allege the man failed to stop at a breath testing location on the Bass Highway near Round Hill shortly before 10:30pm last night, before striking a pedestrian minutes later.
The pedestrian was hit at the intersection of Beattie Street and Payne Street, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene immediately after the collision.
Fortunately, the pedestrian escaped serious injury and received first aid from officers before being transported to hospital.
The accused has now been charged with five offences, including evading police in aggravated circumstances, negligent driving, and failing to stop after a crash.
He has also been charged with driving on a learners licence without being accompanied by a fully licenced driver and failing to display clearly visible L plates.
Updated, Saturday 12pm: A 23-year-old Newnham man is now in police custody, assisting with inquiries into the crash in Burnie last night.
The vehicle allegedly involved in the incident was located in Burnie this morning.
Earlier: A pedestrian has been hit by a vehicle whose driver allegedly fled a breath testing site in Tasmania’s northwest last night.
The incident occurred shortly before 10:30pm when the driver of a white 1997 Holden Commodore station wagon refused to stop at a police breath testing site on the Bass Highway near Round Hill.
Police attempted to intercept the vehicle after the driver evaded the testing site around 10:20pm, but the Commodore continued through Burnie.
Minutes later, the vehicle allegedly struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Beattie Street and Payne Street before immediately leaving the scene.
The pedestrian escaped serious injury and received first aid from officers at the scene before being transported to hospital.
Tasmania Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are appealing for public assistance.
“If anybody witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or knows the location of the vehicle involved, please contact Burnie Police,” a police spokesperson said.
The white Holden Commodore station wagon has the registration number EC3109 and is still being sought by authorities.
Tasmania Police have confirmed that Professional Standards will conduct a separate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Burnie Police on 131 444, quoting reference number ESCAD 287-25122025.
