A driver has been arrested three weeks after a horrific hit-run crash leaving a young teenager with life-changing injuries.

Police allege the 42-year-old Pelican Waters man struck 13-year-old Frazer at the roundabout at the intersection of Sugar Rd and Wises Rd in Buderim, Queensland, just after 6pm on May 7 as the teenager rode home from footy training.

The man allegedly drove away without stopping to help.

The schoolboy suffered devastating leg injuries and remains in Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane in a serious but stable condition after undergoing multiple surgeries, police confirmed on Thursday.

“Marathon surgeries that have gone on for eight to 15 hours at a time,” Sunshine Coast Forensic Crash Unit Sergeant Sherryn Klump said after police launched an appeal to identify the driver two weeks earlier.

“This is a life-changing incident for that young boy and yet this person’s only consideration has been to self-preservation.”

The arrest comes after weeks of public appeals from police, Frazer’s family and the wider Sunshine Coast community to identify the driver involved.

Police and supporters had launched a desperate public campaign titled “Justice for Frazer”, urging residents to review CCTV and dashcam footage.

Police had appealed for information about an older white Mazda BT-50 with a silver bull bar believed to have travelled through the Sugar Rd and Wises Rd area before allegedly fleeing the scene.

The widely shared appeal revealed Frazer had already undergone three surgeries “to try to save his foot” following the crash.

Frazer’s former primary school, Mooloolaba State School, had shared an emotional public plea calling for witnesses and dashcam footage.

“We are sharing some information about one of our much loved teachers Miss Greta, whose 13-year-old son Frazer … was involved in a hit and run incident,” the school wrote online.

“The driver left the scene and has still not been identified.”

A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the family highlighted the devastating toll the crash has taken on the teenager and his loved ones.

“Frazer is an active, kind-hearted young boy who should be out enjoying life with his mates not facing hospital stays, pain, and recovery at such a young age,” the fundraiser said.

“This has been an incredibly traumatic time for both Frazer and his family.”

The fundraiser said donations would help support Frazer through his recovery and “as well as hopefully replacing his bike and giving him something positive to look forward to when he is ready”.

Following investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit, police on Wednesday night arrested the 42-year-old man at Pelican Waters.

He has since been charged with careless driving causing grievous bodily harm and failing to fulfil obligations after a crash.

The man is due to appear before Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16.