NEWS DESK Police patrol
with Brodie Cowburn
Cyclist killed in alleged hit and run A WOMAN has died after an alleged hit and run incident in Chelsea on 28 March. 50-year-old Chelsea triathlete Michelle Ruitenbeek was riding her bike along the Nepean Highway at around 5.40am when she was allegedly struck by a ute. She was taken to hospital but died two days later. Police allege that the driver of the ute fled the scene. Ms Ruitenbeek was a member of
the Mornington Peninsula Triathlon Club. MPTC president Kirrily Guinan took to social media to pay tribute to a “beautiful human being”. “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we acknowledge the tragic passing of Michelle Ruitenbeek. Those blessed to know Michelle will be heartbroken as they reflect on the passing of a dear friend known for her energy, tenacity, enthusiasm and unwavering support of others within
our community. Those not so close to Michelle will equally be devastated to learn of the passing of one of our own and the grief so many close to Michelle are feeling right now,” she said. “Today, on behalf of the MPTC Committee, the MPTC membership group and the triathlon community more widely, we offer our heartfelt love to Michelle, her family and those closest to her. We cannot
change the awful circumstances of Michelle’s death, but we can take this moment and amplify her life and her passing by supporting Michelle’s family in the days ahead, by supporting each other as we grieve, and by ensuring that this tragic accident informs the decisions we collectively make to safeguard ourselves and others on the road.” A 28-year-old Parkdale man was arrested in Broadmeadows in rela-
tion to the alleged incident. His car was located in Seaford a little after 8am. He was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and failing to render assistance. Those charges are expected to be upgraded. The Parkdale man appeared in an out of session’s court hearing on 28 March. He was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 August.
Driver wanted CARRUM Downs police are “hoping to speak” to a man who was caught driving with a cancelled registration plate. The man pulled into a service station on Frankston-Dandenong Road at around 10.45am on 27 March in a white Holden Commodore, registration OUG134. Police allege they approached the man, but he ran back to his car and accelerated heavily, causing the car to “fishtail” and narrowly miss police members. Police have released an image (below) of a man who they believe “may be able to assist with their inquiries.”
Dangerous rider arrest A MOTORCYCLIST was allegedly speeding at 225kph on Peninsula Link before his rear tyre blew out and he was arrested, 4.30pm, Sunday 31 March. Police said the 30-year-old Cranbourne man was lucky to escape death during the display of dangerous riding at Moorooduc. Witnesses reported seeing several motorcyclists riding erratically at Rosebud, Safety Beach and on the Monash Freeway at Glen Waverley and Blackburn at the same time. Police said the man’s unregistered green Kawasaki had false plates. It was only after the tyre blew out that they were able to catch up and charge him with conduct endangering life, failing to stop on direction, driving at a dangerous speed, riding while disqualified and numerous other traffic offences.
Car stolen POLICE are investigating the theft of a distinctive red 1975 Ford Falcon GS sedan from outside a Langwarrin house between 17-21 March. Anyone with information is asked to call Senior Constable Smith, at Frankston police station, 9784 5555, or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au and quote incident number 190102714. Sedan stolen: An eye catching red Ford Falcon was stolen outside a Langwarrin home. Anybody who has seen it is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers. Picture: Supplied
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. PAGE 6
Frankston Times
9 April 2019