Police Seek Public Assistance in Identifying Driver Involved in Fatal Hit and Run in Lower Hutt

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The scene of the fatal hit and run on Naenae Road, Lower Hutt.
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Police authorities are still on the lookout for the individual responsible for a tragic hit-and-run incident that occurred in Naenae, Lower Hutt last week. The incident resulted in the death of an unidentified victim.

Belmont and Wainuiomata have been identified as critical areas of interest in the investigation, as there have been reports and potential sightings of the dark grey Mazda 6 sedan involved in the incident on 16th November.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, Detective Inspector Haley Ryan expressed confidence that, with the assistance of the general public and ongoing investigations, the driver responsible for the incident would be identified soon.

“We have pinpointed two areas of particular interest,” stated Ryan.

“One of these areas is Belmont, where the vehicle was reported stolen between the hours of 1 am and 3 am. The other area is Wainuiomata, where the vehicle was spotted from 3 am leading up to the incident at 5:46 am.

“We urge anyone who may have CCTV footage or who may have seen the dark grey Mazda 6 sedan in those areas during the specified times to immediately contact the police on 105, quoting file number 231116/3474.”

A CCTV image of the stolen car (foreground) that was involved in a hit and run on Waiwhetu Road from Whites Line East.
Photo: NZ Police

In a previous statement, Detective Inspector Haley Ryan revealed that the vehicle involved in the hit and run had been driving recklessly and at high speeds for several hours in the Hutt Valley area prior to the tragic incident. Shockingly, the driver continued to exhibit dangerous driving behavior even after colliding with the victim.

“The driver of the vehicle is fully aware that they have struck a person, and it is highly likely that they are experiencing panic at this moment,” stated Ryan.

“We strongly urge the driver or any occupants of the dark grey Mazda 6 sedan to come forward and cooperate with the police. Our primary goal is to understand the events leading up to this tragic accident.”

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan assured the public that the victim’s identity would be released as soon as it becomes possible to do so.