The death of a pedestrian early yesterday in Northland’s Haruru will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
A male pedestrian was struck on Puketona Rd just after 12.10am on Sunday. He died at the scene despite medical assistance being provided at the time.
Police said that at the time of the crash, a marked police patrol vehicle was in the area, and had slowed down to speak with pedestrians who had been seen walking on the road.
The crash occurred a short time later when a member of the public’s vehicle struck a pedestrian.
Northland District Commander Matt Srhoj said, due to the presence of the patrol vehicle “just prior” to the crash, police would refer the incident for investigation.
“A critical incident investigation will also be carried out.”
Srhoj confirmed the driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian stopped immediately after the crash.
The vehicle has been seized, and a thorough scene examination has been carried out by serious crash investigators.
Support was in place for two frontline officers who were in the police vehicle when the crash occurred.
“This has been devastating for them, and it is the last thing anyone would have wanted to happen.”
As part of inquiries, Srhoj said police would like to hear from anyone who was travelling through Haruru Falls between 11.55pm on Saturday, January 17, and 12.10am on Sunday, January 18.
People who noticed the pedestrians or had dash camera footage were asked to contact police via 105.
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