Truck driver charged over alleged hit and run that killed a cyclist

A Parkes man was arrested during a traffic stop in Forbes following inquiries into the death of a cyclist in Glenelg. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.

A 39-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop following the death of a cyclist in an alleged hit and run incident near Grenfell earlier this week.

Parkes man Maurice Bopp fronted Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday (27 March).

Court documents revealed that Bopp reasonably knew that the vehicle had been involved in an impact occasioning death or grievous bodily harm and he failed to stop and give assistance that may be necessary.

Magistrate Rebecca Hosking granted Bopp bail on the condition that he must report to Parkes Police Station once every day, not apply for a passport, not to enter any international airport or other point of departure from Australia, live in Parkes, and not commit any offences while on bail.

Police said emergency services were called to Henry Lawson Way, Glenelg, 19 km northwest of Grenfell around 11:10 am on Monday (25 March) following reports a cyclist had been found unconscious.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 67-year-old cyclist, however he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

Initial inquiries indicated the cyclist, who was wearing high visibility clothing at the time, may have been injured after being struck by a southbound vehicle that failed to stop.

Crash Investigation Unit, with assistance from detectives attached to Hume Police District, commenced an investigation into the man’s death under Strike Force Goobragandra.

Following inquiries, Bopp was arrested during a traffic stop south of Forbes just before 3:30 pm on Tuesday (26 March) and was taken to Grenfell Police Station.

Police allege Bopp was the driver of an Isuzu truck at the time the cyclist was struck and fatally injured.

Magistrate Hosking set Bopp’s next court appearance at Young Local Court on 1 May.