Cade Lucas
Police have charged a 40-year-old Deer Park man with manslaughter following a fatal collision in Footscray earlier this week.
The man has also been charged with culpable driving, conduct endangering life, trafficking methylamphetamine, going equipped to steal, possessing the proceeds of crime and various other traffic offences.
He will appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.
The charges follow a fatal collision between an allegedly stolen truck and a car, at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Moore Street, Footscray at about 4.30am on Monday January 6.
Detectives believe the white Nissan truck truck was travelling west on Ballarat Road when it allegedly ran a red light and collided with a 2011 Toyota Corolla which was turning right from Ballarat Road into Moore Street.
The driver of the Corolla, a 67-year-old man from Taylors Hill, died at the scene.
The driver of the truck was arrested at the scene and was taken to hospital under police guard.
Police were in pursuit of the truck when the collision occurred and Professional Standards Command will have oversight of the investigation.
The white Nissan truck first came to police attention about 3am on January 6 following reports a stolen truck was seen in Beveridge about 2.30am.
The truck was seen in Truganina where police attempted to intercept it in the vicinity of Peterpaul Way and Schembri Drive, but the driver sped off.
Despite deploying stop sticks on several occasions, police were unable to stop the truck as it continued on at high speed, colliding with another vehicle, driving on the wrong side of the road and running through several red lights.
The Special Operations Group was called, but the truck and car collided before they could arrive.
Police believe the truck was initially stolen on January 3 from the Kalkallo area before it was found in Derrimut and the owner contacted on January 5.
It’s understood the truck was then re-stolen from Derrimut.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
