Surfers Paradise man charged after two pedestrians hit by ute

A 31-year-old Surfers Paradise man has been given a notice to appear over an alleged dangerous driving incident on the Esplanade at Surfers Paradise on Friday evening, 23 October, Queensland Police Service said.

Shortly before 9pm, a Toyota Hilux utility was allegedly being driven dangerously along the Esplanade when it collided with two pedestrians at Staghorn Avenue. One man was initially trapped under the vehicle. Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment and are in a stable condition.

Police say numerous witnesses tried to restrain the driver after the crash, but he allegedly fled the scene before officers arrived. A police dog was deployed and found the man in a garden bed. He sustained a police dog bite during the arrest, was treated at the scene and taken to hospital for further treatment. He has since been discharged.

The man has been served a notice to appear on one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to provide a blood specimen, and failing to fulfil duties after a traffic crash. He is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on 13 November.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Policelink on 131 444 or use the online suspicious activity form on the Policelink website, available 24 hours a day. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through the Crime Stoppers Queensland website. Quote reference number QP2602097786.