Eastern Waikato Police trying to locate an intoxicated driver who fled the scene of an early morning Matamata crash say they hold serious concerns for the young man's safety and are appealing for members of the public with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
Sergeant Graham McGurk of the Matamata Police said an off-duty officer was the first to the scene of the single vehicle crash which happened shortly before 1am on Matamata's Western St.
"Local residents reported seeing the Holden Commodore station-wagon involved in the crash travelling at speed along Western St shortly before the crash and described the driver as appearing to be trying to drift his car.
"He has then lost control of his car and crossed the centreline before colliding with a steel framed fence and taking out both a power-pole and street light pole and then crashed through another fence."
Mr McGurk said the crash involved sufficient force for flying debris to smash windows of an adjoining house.
"The driver has fled the scene on foot towards Peria St and a car was seen to stop and pick someone up before driving off but that vehicle was located later this morning and the driver and occupants claim that though they know the offending driver, they did not pick him up and are concerned for his safety.
"Given the serious damage to the driver's side of the car we believe the driver, 24-year-old Matamata man Timothy Brett Coffey, may be suffering from significant injuries that will require hospital treatment and we urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward."
Mr McGurk said one of the challenges placed by Police in the period immediately after the crash was the misguided loyalty of several young associates of Mr Coffey who were evasive with Police because their friend had been drinking.
"What we need now is for all the parties involved to take stock of the serious nature of the situation.
"Here we have a young man who is likely to be injured, who hasn't been seen at his home or those of friends and who hasn't been admitted to hospital possibly still out there suffering from serious injuries who needs to be found now."
Anyone with any information on Mr Coffey's whereabouts is asked to contact Mr McGurk at the Matamata Police Station on 07 858 6200 or ring 111.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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