Police are urging a Rotorua motorcyclist involved in a fatal hit-and-run earlier this month to “come forward and do the right thing”.
The motorcyclist allegedly overtook a stationary vehicle and struck the 24-year-old as he was crossing Edmund Rd and Mangakakahi at around 2.15pm on June 15.
The pedestrian, who police today named as Paige Johnson, was sight- and hearing-impaired, and died in hospital on June 19 after being airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
Today, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark van Kempen said officers had received “a number of calls and online reports” in response to previous appeals for information.
“We are now appealing for further public assistance to identify and locate the rider of the motorcycle involved.”
Van Kempen said officers has been working to trace the movements of the motorcycle since the incident on July 15.
More photographs of the motorcycle have also been released, which police said was believed to be a black and gold Kawasaki Ninja 600cc. It said the rider was believed to be a male with a “distinctive” full-length tattoo on his left leg.
“CCTV footage provided by members of the public has helped establish that following the collision, the motorcycle travelled from Edmund Road on to Clayton Road, then along Thomas Road and in to Gordon Road, heading east.
“Today, a significant police presence has been in and around this area, speaking with residents and gathering further information. The response has been extremely positive, with several valuable pieces of information being received.”
Van Kempen said police were continuing to support Johnson’s family – and urged the motorcyclist to “come forward and do the right thing – both for their own sake and for [Johnson’s] grieving family”.
“We know Paige’s death will likely be weighing heavily on this person and it is important that we speak to them to understand the full picture of what occurred,” he said.
He also reminded the public that assisting anyone involved, “in a way that intentionally hinders the police investigation could have serious consequences”.
