A lady has been detained and accused in connection with the death of a volunteer fireman in Sydney, Australia, who authorities claim was killed in a suspected hit-and-run.
James Swainston, 31, was killed by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle in the Marsden Park district around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, according to a news release from the New South Wales Police (NSW).
“Emergency services were called to Richmond Road, Marsden Park, following reports of a crash,” the New South Wales Police said. “Officers attached to Mount Druitt Police Area Command attended and found a motorcycle and a Ford utility had collided.”
Other drivers on the road hurried to help, but Swainston was pronounced dead at the site.
Police claim that the driver of the second vehicle fled the scene. However, they confirmed that a 37-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident at a Penrith company around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
According to the NSW statement, she was charged with reckless driving resulting in death, failure to stop and help after a vehicle collision resulting in death, and operating a motor vehicle with a disqualified licence.
According to 7News Australia, the suspect crossed the wrong side of the road and smashed into Swainston. She fled the scene when her vehicle caught fire, according to the website, which cited police and collision site images.
Sergeant Brett Hobbins expressed gratitude to those who assisted by providing information, descriptions, and dash camera footage.
Swainston was a volunteer fireman with the NSW Rural Fire Service, according to News.com.au. His mother Dawn described him as a “caring and loving son” in an Instagram tribute, according to the source.
“When travelling home after helping someone James loved, through absolutely no fault of his own, he was involved in a motorbike accident,” she added, stressing that he was not only a son but also a “brother, boyfriend, cousin, nephew, grandchild, and friend.”
The woman arrested was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, October 22.
