A man has been charged with five offences while another undergoes surgery for serious injuries after an alleged hit and run stemming from a neighbourhood dispute over dogs.
A 29-year-old man crashed his SUV into a tree after allegedly deliberately running into a couple on Cygnus Close at Doonside, in Sydney’s west on Monday night, March 18.
Detective Superintendent Darren Newman said a fight over the couple’s dogs escalated from a heated verbal stoush earlier in the evening but it was not clear if there were ongoing issues or the altercation was a one-off.
The fracas began when a 41-year-old man was walking his dog past the 29-year-old’s house, police said.
The younger man allegedly threatened the older man with an axe before the 41-year-old returned to his home, down the road.
He told his 42-year-old partner and 18-year-old daughter about the altercation and the trio returned to the 29-year-old’s house, where the war of words continued.
The younger man then reversed a white Ford Territory, revving it “a number of times very aggressively” before allegedly driving into the man and the woman, seriously injuring both, Mr. Newman said.
The 41-year-old was taken to Westmead Hospital with serious injuries to his head, chest and legs, and was undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old woman had bruising and a head injury and was taken to the same hospital.
The driver of the SUV was arrested nearby after crashing into a tree as he allegedly fled the scene.
He was taken to Blacktown Hospital after complaining of chest pains.
After his release from hospital, police charged the driver with five offences, including using a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, causing grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact.
He was refused bail and is expected to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Tuesday afternoon, March 19.
Police have collected CCTV footage from his house as well as from around the neighbourhood.
“The screams that are heard just after the impact occurred are horrifying,” Mr. Newman said.
He called for people to be calm and reasonable in any disputes with their neighbours.
“Don’t resort to threats and don’t resort to violence, particularly with a motor vehicle,” he said.
