The father ran, killed in a terrifying rampage after gaining custody of his four children

A father who had just won custody of his four children was allegedly killed in a horrific rampage in Perth’s east on Tuesday.

A man has already been charged with Peter Sponza’s murder, among other charges.

Mr. Sponza was on his lunch break at a Metronet construction site in Bayswater in Perth’s east when the tragedy unfolded at around 11am on Tuesday.

A 29-year-old man from Great Southern allegedly armed with a knife and acting erratically struck Mr. Sponza with his car moments after hitting another vehicle and slashing the tires with a machete.

Mr. Sponza was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but later died despite the desperate efforts of his work colleagues and the emergency services.

His boss, TNE Civil boss Ross Hogan said the workers were on their lunch break eating sandwiches on a bench when they were approached by the man asking where his father was over and over.

The man returned to his car, with co-workers able to move out of the way.

“But Pete had blood clots in his legs and he wasn’t very quick on his feet … (the car) dragged him a few meters down the road and then hit a pole.”

Mr. Hogan said Mr. Sponza’s co-workers attempted to revive him at the scene before emergency services arrived.

“I went to the hospital thinking there was some hope because the guys said he was breathing and they felt a pulse,” he said.

Mr. Hogan has set up a fundraiser for Mr. Sponza’s children.

“It’s terrible, yesterday was the happiest day of Pete’s life because he got 100 percent custody of his children,” Mr. Hogan said.

“Pete literally walked into work and said, ‘I’m getting a house to bring the kids and start my new life.’

“He came to WA to turn his life around, to do the right thing and he did.

“He was with us for a year, he fought the courts, he wanted custody of his children and this happens.”

Peter Sponza’s GoFundMe page has already raised more than $16,000, which will go to the Smith Family Foundation to help Mr. Sponza’s children.

Police have now charged a 29-year-old man from the Great South with murder, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, reckless driving, armed in a manner likely to cause fear and criminal damage or destruction of property.

The man was taken into custody on Tuesday and underwent medical examinations.

Inspector Jason Van Der Ende said it had been a traumatic incident for all involved.

“There were two small children in the car, who fortunately were not injured,” he said.

“This matter is complex and will take some time to investigate.”