An appeal for information on a fatal hit and run in Ruatoria in the early hours of Sunday 16th of April has featured as the crime of the week on Police Ten 7 tonight.
Local man Nelson Hari, 25, had been at a wedding at the Te Heapera Marae when he decided to walk home around midnight.
Then at around 12.30am a vehicle travelling towards the marae on Tapuaeroa Road has seen something on the road and on closer inspection, realised it was a person, Nelson Hari. He received first aid at the scene but sadly could not be revived.
“Police believe two vehicles struck him that night, the first knocking him to the ground and the second as he was lying on the road,” says Detective Sergeant Glen Burrell.
“Police have identified the second car and its driver, but speaking to the driver of the first car which struck Nelson as he was walking, is crucial to the investigation.
“We want the person or people in that vehicle to come forward and contact Gisborne Police immediately on 06 869 0200.”
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“We are also keen to hear from anyone who knows of vehicles in the Ruatoria area that had significant damage to the front, around the time of April 16th this year,”
“We hope tonight’s Police Ten 7 episode will help us to track down the driver of the first vehicle and get the answers we need for Nelson’s whanau and friends.
“The information you have may not seem like much to you, but it could be just what Police needs to solve this crime,” says Mr Burrell.
The Police Ten 7 segment is available to watch again on the Police Ten 7 Facebook page.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
