A man has been charged with eight counts of attempted murder after an alleged hit and run on the Sunshine Coast that has left a young woman fighting for life.
Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken said police believed a vehicle deliberately struck eight pedestrians on Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore just before midnight on Saturday.
“The evidence we’ve received at the scene, we’re treating this as an intentional, deliberate act,” Acting Inspector Hocken said.
A 23-year-old New South Wales woman was flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition.
“She came from New South Wales to visit some family members as a surprise and was only meant to be staying for a couple of days,” he said.
“She was minding her business walking on the side of the road when she was struck by this vehicle.”
Police say the 38-year-old driver of the Toyota Yaris fled the scene and was found in a nearby residence a short time later.
Two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in serious conditions, but they have since been released.
Police are investigating after a man allegedly struck a group of pedestrians in his vehicle then fled the scene. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jake Kearnan)
Acting Inspector Hocken said the incident occurred a short time after a “minor” altercation between the driver and a group of males.
“The incident prior lasted only a few minutes, it was minor in nature,” he said.
“The males, I believe were crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing and the male drive took offence to that.
“The girls were unknown to the other males, they just happened to be walking on that sidewalk at that time.”