Carlisle hit and run: Male driver, 27, charged with murder over 48-year-old cyclist’s horrific death

A 27-year-old man has been charged with murder after allegedly striking a cyclist he had “approached” in Carlisle on Friday, with police looking into whether it was a vigilante attack over a stolen item. Police say the 48-year-old male victim was riding his bicycle on Lion Street about 1.45pm when the driver communicated with him before striking him with his grey Kia Carnival station sedan. Detective Inspector David Gorton of the major crime division said the victim was dragged by the vehicle for more than 30 metres, suffering critical injuries. “Police will allege that this was a deliberate act,” Det Insp Gorton told reporters around 1.30pm, saying the major crash reconstruction team was still at the scene. “We are looking into what we believe was an incident the previous day. We believe that might have involved a personal property item. “However investigations are still underway.” He added: “We just want to reiterate to members of the public that if you are a victim of crime, no matter how serious the incident is, we urge you to contact WA Police if you feel that you need assistance”. “Don’t take things into your own hands.” The detective said the pair did not know each other previously. Det Insp Gorton said the driver had been swiftly apprehended a short distance away. “Police had been called in relation to some of the driving behaviors so they were quickly on site,” he said. Friends and family members of the accused were in the car and have been questioned by police. The man is due to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday. St John WA sent four ambulance crews to the scene, where the man was treated then rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, arriving about 2.30pm, but he died later that afternoon. Jupiter Street was cordoned off while a large group of detectives and forensic investigators combed over the scene on Friday night, directing motorists and pedestrians away. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au.