By Derek Schlennstedt
Police are investigating a road rage incident in Tremont that left a woman stranded on her way to picking up a family member from hospital.
Investigators have been told that the woman was travelling in a Kia hatchback along Devils Elbow towards Ferntree Gully, on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, shortly before 2.30pm on 12 December.
It is understood a male cyclist unhappy with her driving stopped near the car, reached inside the driver’s side window and took the keys from the ignition.
He then threw them down an embankment and into bushland, leaving the driver stranded as she was unable to find the keys.
The driver, who was on her way to collect her mother from hospital and had her disabled child in the car, was unable to find the keys and police said it was matter of hours before they managed to locate them in the bush below Devils Elbow.
“Just by pure luck we found them … it was a matter of hours,” Belgrave police Acting Sergeant Damian Johnston said.
Act Sgt Johnston said that according to the information provided the driver had stopped with the intention of making amends for her driving.
Though he said the cyclist still acted wrongly and police would like to speak with him.
“At this point of time the ID of the cyclist is unknown and we’d like to have a chat with him,” Act Sgt Johnston said.
The cyclist was wearing orange, red and yellow lycra.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information regarding the cyclist’s identity to come forward.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Belgrave police on 9754 6677 or alternatively contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
