An elderly woman has been charged over an alleged hit-and-run that killed a six-year-old boy on his way to school.
Caleb Wesley was struck by a car on Bannockburn-Shelford Road in Teesdale, about 30km west of Geelong, on the morning of March 27.
He was with two older siblings at the time, aged nine and 12, who were crossing the road on their way to the school bus.
Despite receiving first aid from local residents, including a nurse, the boy died at the scene from traumatic injuries.
Police allege the 84-year-old driver left the scene after the incident and her vehicle was later located at her home.
She was interviewed by detectives in March but released pending further inquiries.
On Tuesday, nearly eight months later, police charged her with failing to stop, failing to render assistance, and failing to report a collision.
Covenant College principal Joshua McEwen said the school community was ‘devastated’ by the news of Caleb’s death.
Pictured is six-year-old Caleb Wesley who died after being struck by a car on his way to school nearly eight months ago. He was joined by two older siblings at the time, aged nine and 12
Caleb has been remembered as a ‘curious, interesting, wonderful little boy’
Police are pictured at the scene in Teesdale, about 30km west of Geelong, Victoria
‘Caleb was inquisitive, friendly, empathetic, and well-loved. He was always one of the first to show kindness to others,’ Mr McEwen said.
‘He was a curious, interesting, wonderful little boy.’
Police previously alleged the 84-year-old stopped for a short time after the crash before leaving the scene.
‘The offending driver, at this point in time was aware of the collision, has stopped, got out of the vehicle, and we believe, has then got back into the vehicle and left the scene,’ Inspector Craig McEvoy said in March.
The woman has been bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Local council Golden Plains Shire commissioned a plan to improve road safety in the area following Caleb’s death.
So far this year, 261 people have died on Victorian roads, four more than the same time a year prior.
