Teenage e-bike rider targeted in alleged predatory driving incident
A 23-year-old woman has been charged with predatory driving following a disturbing incident in the Newcastle suburb of Redhead, where a teenage boy's e-bike was allegedly struck and dragged 30 metres down the road.
The incident occurred around 5pm on Wednesday, November 12 on Elsdon Street, Redhead, prompting emergency services to respond to reports of a collision. According to police statements, the woman allegedly drove her vehicle directly at a 14-year-old boy who was riding his e-bike.
Dramatic escape and extensive damage
The quick-thinking teenager managed to jump from his bicycle moments before impact, potentially saving himself from more serious injury. However, his e-bike wasn't as fortunate - it made contact with the vehicle and was dragged approximately 30 metres along the road surface, sustaining extensive damage in the process.
Police confirmed that instead of stopping to render assistance, the driver allegedly fled the scene, leaving the injured teenager on the side of the road. The 14-year-old boy sustained minor lacerations and bruising during the incident and received treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene.
Arrest and multiple charges laid
Following investigations, police attended a residence in Belmont North around 9:30pm the same evening, where they arrested the 23-year-old woman. She was taken to Belmont police station and charged with five separate offences relating to the incident.
The charges include:
- Predatory driving
- Cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury
- Not give particulars to injured person
The woman was refused bail and scheduled to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday, November 13. The case continues to develop as authorities process the serious nature of the allegations against the accused driver.
