Wellington Police are hoping that forensic analysis of a hit and run victim's clothing will help identify the colour of the vehicle involved.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton, Wellington CIB, says fragments of paint on Mr Earl Krayskopf's clothing will be examined by ESR scientists as part of the police investigation into finding the person responsible for the incident which happened in the Pirie Street bus tunnel on Mt Victoria.
"We're confident the forensic analysis will give us information about the vehicle's colour," Detective Senior Sergeant Thornton said. "It's possible the vehicle is one that regularly uses the bus tunnel as a shortcut instead of using Mt Victoria tunnel."
Police are appealing to members of the public for information about the hit and run which happened between 3.15am and 4am on Saturday, 31 January. Mr Krayskopf walked from the Courtenay Place area soon after 3am and into the Mt Victoria side of the Pirie Street bus tunnel. He was struck from behind by a vehicle travelling from Mt Victoria through to Hataitai.
"The driver must know someone was hit," Detective Senior Sergeant Thornton said. "It's very likely that the driver has spoken to family or friends about what happened. Someone must have noticed recent damage on a vehicle. We'd like to hear from these people."
Police have spoken with two members of the public who drove through the tunnel immediately after the incident. It was these two people who found 41-year-old Mr Krayskopf and called Wellington Free Ambulance.
Police are concentrating inquiries on:
• forensic analysis of the victim's clothing • the vehicle involved may have impact damage to both front and left side • working with local residents to identify vehicles using the tunnel on the morning of 31 January, as well as identifying vehicles that used the bus tunnel in the weeks prior to the incident. Several vehicles have been identified and their owners will be spoken to • hearing from drivers who use the bus tunnel on a regular basis • carrying out area inquiries in Mt Victoria and Hataitai • collating CCTV coverage in the Wellington CBD, Mt Victoria and Hataitai areas for both the night of Friday, 30 January and Saturday morning, 31 January.
"These are big tasks that we need to complete," Detective Senior Sergeant Thornton said. "The public can assist by contacting us with any information that will help us identify the person responsible for this hit and run."
The number to call is 0800 TIPOFF (0800 847 633) or Wellington Central Police Station on 381 2000.
ends
released by: Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
tel 04 496 3464 or 0274 373 020