Hamilton driver arrested after pedestrian hit

Hamilton police have charged a 21-year-old man after he allegedly hit a pedestrian with his car in the downtown area.

The pedestrian was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries to the head and neck, and remains in hospital in critical condition, police say.

Police say the victim, a 31-year-old Hamilton man, was travelling on Wellington Street North between King William Street and King Street East shortly before 10 p.m. on Dec. 27.

The pedestrian was struck by a 2008 Nissan sedan travelling south on Wellington Street North, police say. The vehicle then fled the area.

Police say the sedan was found abandoned on Twenty Road East shortly after with obvious signs of an intentional fire."

The Nissan's owner attended Station 10 on Dec. 28, and was arrested, according to police.

A 21-year-old from Hamilton is charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm, public mischief and arson to personal property.

He is expected to appear in court on Jan. 27.

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com