An 11-year-old boy is urging a callous hit-and-run driver to step forward after being struck by a vehicle and abandoned on his way home from school.
Suhas Sunkisala was struck while cycling through a pedestrian crossing along Railway Parade in Murrumbeena on May 1.
“I was on my way to the zebra crossing when I noticed a car slowing at the speed bump. As I crossed at the zebra crossing, the car suddenly accelerated and hit me,” recounted Suhas.
“I was in shock so the pain didn’t hit me too much when I was flying through the air [but] when I hit the ground I felt it.”
An off-duty nurse rushed to his aid and he was sent to hospital suffering a severely broken ankle and cuts and bruises to his face.
Police are hunting for a silver Toyota Yaris hatchback, which they say could be damaged and missing its driver-side mirror due to the crash.
“It’s a tragic event. The disturbing part is that the driver didn’t stop,” Inspector Samantha Ferwerda said.
“I find it difficult to understand how they didn’t know they struck a child … the longer they leave it the more difficult it is for them.”
The year 6 student spent two nights at the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery on his leg.
“It was stinging really badly, the bone did come out, it was a compound fracture so yeah,” Suhas said.
The student won’t be able to walk for the next six weeks, forced to take a break from his love of basketball, cricket and skiing.
Anyone who can identify the vehicle or the driver is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
