Ongoing enquiries into the death of 20-year-old Israel Jack in Rotorua have raised a crucial timeline question that police believe the local community can help to answer.
Officers investigating his death have confirmed that he was at the Caltex Service station at approximately 4.20am. The call to report that he had been hit by a car was made to emergency services at approximately 4.25am. Police have now confirmed that call was made as the second of at least two vehicles had struck Mr Jack.
Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith said: "At present we believe there is a gap of only five minutes between Mr Jack being in the Caltex Service station and the emergency call being made, but in that time Mr Jack has covered a distance just shy of 1.4km. It is really important that we gather as much information about Mr Jack's movements along that stretch of road so that we can establish without doubt how he covered that distance and how he came to be lying in the road when he was struck by the two vehicles."
To help jog memories of anyone in the area on that morning Police are issuing images captured on security cameras at the Caltex Service Station which shows the distinctive large white lettering on the front and back of his t-shirt.
Police want to hear from anyone who saw Mr Jack who hasn't yet spoken with Police, or has any information that may assist the ongoing enquiries. Police also want to hear from anyone who was travelling along Te Ngae Road who saw anything that might be relevant.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
