Police are seeking the driver of a white van after a road incident in Glen Eden, which has left 17 year old male cyclist facing full paralysis, as a result of serious spinal injuries.
Constable Blair Atkinson of the Serious Crash Unit says the incident happened in Glengarry Road Glen Eden at about 5.45pm on Tuesday 19 September 2006. Police were informed by friends of the boy's family after they heard of the tragic plight of the young man. Medical specialists were to carry out surgery in Auckland hospital today.
"The victim was riding home on his bicycle after being at the local shops. While in Glengarry Road, a van has driven the youth directly off the road forcing the young man to veer and hit a concrete brick wall. The vehicle with two male occupants inside did not stop. The boy's bike has been damaged and will need repairs," he said.
'This is a young man who is currently paralysed as a result of indiscriminate driving. He was deliberately forced off the road by what was a senseless, irresponsible act. We are keeping an open mind about the nature of the driving behaviour, but we are eager to locate both the driver and his passenger to talk to them about this incident.'
'Somewhere in Auckland, somebody will have knowledge of this van, and of the two men who were in this vehicle. We have no other details or information, apart from the fact that the van is white in colour. If anyone has seen a vehicle with this description in Glen Eden area at time of this incident, Police certainly want to hear.'
"We are also making this appeal to the driver and passenger so they come forward. We need to talk to them soon so that we can advance our investigations into this tragic incident," Constable Atkinson said.
Ends;
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager
North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police
Telephone: 09-488-9758 - Mobile: 027-281-0271