No arrests have been made or charges laid over a hit-and-run incident in east Auckland four months ago.
Police say the man who was struck by a vehicle was driving with his family along Chapel Road in Flat Bush in the early hours of July 3.
At about 3am he pulled over to the side of the road to get something from under his seat.
“The road was not busy and well-lit where he had pulled over, believing it to be in a safe position,” police say.
“While kneeling to retrieve the item another vehicle travelling down Chapel Road has struck the victim and his vehicle.
“The impact folded the victim’s driver side door right back against the bonnet.
“The suspect vehicle has continued down the road.
“The victim’s shocked partner starts to run after it heading south on Chapel Road, but unfortunately it disappeared before she can get the registration.”
Police say the woman returned to her injured partner, who was lying on the ground, and rendered first aid to him.
She was helped by people from nearby houses and a person phoned emergency services on 111.
The victim was hospitalised for two weeks and had several surgeries to both of his legs.
He was looking at three months in a wheelchair before he could start learning to walk again using crutches.
“The physical, financial and psychological effect on the victim and his family is huge,” police say.
“It’s clear from CCTV footage there may have been other factors on why the driver didn’t stop, but this shouldn’t deter them from coming forward now and letting the victim and his family know why this happened.
“There are images of the suspect vehicle and police are appealing for anyone who recognises it or saw it was damaged after July 3 to get in touch.
“The victim’s vehicle sustained significant damage, so the offending vehicle will have damage too.”
Police say people may know who drives the offender’s vehicle, or worked on it, or seen it in the Botany area.
The incident was featured on the TV programme Ten 7 Aotearoa on September 22 but despite the publicity it is still unsolved.
People with information on the hit-and-in Chapel Road, Flat Bush, at about 3am on July 3 this year can phone police on 105 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.
