Teen Motorcyclist Killed by Stolen BMW in Preston; Community Outrage Over Rising Youth Crime
August 13, 2024Davide Pollina, a 19-year-old motorcyclist, tragically lost his life in a collision with a stolen BMW in Preston early Sunday morning.
The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Bell and Victoria streets while Pollina was returning home.
A 16-year-old boy, believed to be a passenger in the stolen vehicle, has been arrested and interviewed by detectives but was later released pending further inquiries.
Police allege that the BMW and another vehicle were stolen about an hour prior to the crash, raising concerns about youth crime.
Pollina's death has reignited community outrage over youth crime, particularly following a similar incident where a doctor was killed by a stolen car just five weeks earlier.
This incident is part of a troubling trend, as six people have died on Victorian roads in just ten days, prompting discussions about road safety.
Police are actively seeking witnesses or dashcam footage from the area between 11:30 PM Saturday and 12:30 AM Sunday to aid in their investigation.
David Addison, a friend and colleague of Pollina, described him as a respectful and hardworking individual eager to build a solid future.
Lion Pumping, where Pollina worked, expressed heartbreak over his death and extended condolences to his family and friends via social media.
Pollina's father shared a poignant tribute on social media, referring to him as 'My angel', while friends initiated a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs.
The Major Collision Investigation Unit is currently investigating the incident, which involved the stolen BMW and another vehicle taken from a local address.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Aug 12, 2024
Motorbike crash victim a ‘loving kid’The Sydney Morning Herald • Aug 12, 2024
‘Protect the unprotected’: Motorcyclist’s death prompts friend’s call for youth crime reform