Ute owners key to hit and run inquiry

The number of police investigating the hit and run death of cyclist Graham Robinson is now up to 20.

Dr Robinson was knocked off his bike at Peak Rd in Kaukapakapa around 8.50am on October 14 and died in hospital a day later.

Police are looking for the driver of a white 1980s or 90s Toyota Hilux utility that failed to stop.

The vehicle had a white canopy on the back.
It had the word Toyota printed in black across the rear tray.

Detective sergeant Scott Armstrong is leading the investigation and says officers from across the Waitemata district have been called in to help.

"The vehicle elimination phase involves tracing the owners and drivers of all vehicles of this description that frequent the Rodney region," he says.

"Police are confident that this systematic process will lead to the driver being identified.

"I urge and encourage the owner of any such vehicle who has driven in the Rodney area on the day in question to contact or take their vehicle to the nearest police station.

"This will assist with their elimination from this investigation."

Mr Armstrong says police are keeping an open mind.

"A detailed scene examination and thorough analysis of collated information shows it is conceivable that the driver involved did not intentionally target Dr Robinson.

"It is equally conceivable that the driver either temporarily lost control or did not see the deceased until it was too late to avoid him.

"If this is the case then it is in the driver’s interest to make contact with members of the investigation team before they make the call.

"The longer it takes for someone to come forward, the greater the shadow of suspicion that falls over them."

Call 0508-732-573 if you have information.