Key Takeaways
- A 24-year-old woman, Mallee Smith, has died after an alleged deliberate hit-and-run in Maroochydore on Saturday night.
- The incident occurred when a 38-year-old driver, Guilherme Dal Bo, allegedly drove a Toyota Yaris into a group of eight pedestrians.
- The driver was arrested at a nearby residence and charged with eight counts of attempted murder.
- The incident is being treated as an intentional and deliberate act by police, following a minor altercation between the driver and a group of males.
- The driver is expected to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 19.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred in Maroochydore on Saturday night, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old woman, Mallee Smith. The incident involved an alleged deliberate hit-and-run, where a 38-year-old driver, Guilherme Dal Bo, drove a Toyota Yaris into a group of eight pedestrians. The pedestrians, consisting of six males and two females, were walking on the footpath when the incident occurred. The two females, including Mallee Smith, were not known to the group of males and were simply walking on the sidewalk at the time of the incident.
The Incident Unfolds
According to police, the incident began with a minor altercation between the driver, Guilherme Dal Bo, and a group of males. Following the altercation, the driver allegedly drove off before returning a short time later and mounting the footpath, where the group of pedestrians was walking. The driver then intentionally drove into the group, causing critical injuries to Mallee Smith and others. The driver left the scene of the incident and was later arrested at a nearby residence. The police were able to apprehend the driver and take him into custody, where he was charged with eight counts of attempted murder.
Police Investigation
The police are treating the incident as an intentional and deliberate act, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken stated that the police are taking the incident very seriously and are working to gather all the facts. The police are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Charges and Court Appearance
The driver, Guilherme Dal Bo, has been charged with eight counts of attempted murder and is expected to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 19. The charges are serious, and the driver faces significant penalties if convicted. The court appearance will provide an opportunity for the prosecution to present its case and for the driver to enter a plea. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the court appearance is likely to be closely watched by the public and the media.
Conclusion and Community Response
The incident has had a significant impact on the community, with many people expressing shock and outrage at the alleged deliberate act. The death of Mallee Smith is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect for pedestrians. The community is coming together to support the families of the victims and to call for justice. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting a culture of safety and respect on our roads, and the need for drivers to be held accountable for their actions. As the investigation continues and the driver faces court, the community will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served.
