New Plymouth Police are appealing for assistance from the public after a 19-year-old man was killed this morning when he was hit by a vehicle on State Highway 3, Waitara.
He was Wiremu Vincent Thompson of Bell Block.
“We believe Mr Thompson and an associate were walking from Waitara to Bell Block at 5am when he was struck by a west bound 1998 brown Holden Commodore sedan. The driver notified Police and emergency services attended, however Mr Thompson died at the scene,” says Detective Byron Reid of the Taranaki CIB.
“Officers are continuing to make area inquiries and we want to speak to anyone that saw the Holden sedan between 4am and 5:15am in the Waitara and Bell Bock areas. We also want to speak to anyone that saw two young men walking from Waitara to Bell Block between these times. I encourage anyone with information to contact Police.”
A 37-year-old New Plymouth woman has been arrested and charged with driving with excess breath alcohol causing death.
The Serious Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Reid on (06) 215 4151. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police want to extend their sincere condolences to Mr Thompson’s family and seek the support of media in respecting their privacy during this difficult time.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.