Freshwater: 4WD towing a boat trailer could help police with Tony Plati’s mystery hit-and-run death
Footage of a 4WD towing a boat trailer may help solve the fatal hit-and-run of father Tony Plati on Sydney’s northern beaches. SEE THE VIDEO.
Manly
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The driver of a 4WD seen travelling through Freshwater just moments after a father was hit and killed in an alleged hit and run has been urged to come forward by the dead man’s sister.
Police have released CCTV footage of the vehicle, towing a trailer packed with what appear to be surf skis, in the hope the driver can help with the investigation into Antonio “Tony” Plati’s death.
Footage shows the 4WD on Oliver St, just moments after the popular Mr Plati, 66, was hit about 5.45am on February 22.
Mr Plati, who was returning from an early morning walk to his nearby home, where he cared for his 102-year-old mother, was discovered on the road with multiple injuries. He died soon after.
It is understood police have not been able to make out the car’s registration number from the footage.
There is no suggestion the 4WD driver is responsible for Mr Plati’s death.
But his sister Anne Gelonesi, told the Manly Daily that the release of the footage showing the vehicle and trailer should spur people to come forward with information.
“That car was nearby at the time Tony was hit so they may have information that is helpful to the police,” Mrs Gelonesi said.
“Seeing the footage might refresh the driver’s memory that they were there and that they should come forward and let the police, and us know, if they can help.”
Police set up Strike Force Clarefield, made up of officers from the northern beaches and the NSW Crash Investigation Unit, to track down the driver.
The unit’s manager, Detective Inspector Katie Orr said, the biggest issue for Mr Plati’s family was not knowing how and why the incident occurred.
“It’s that missing piece to give them a bit of closure,” Inspector Orr said.
“It is not too late for the person involved to hand themselves in.”
Northern Beaches Police crime manager Michael Boutouridis echoed the call for anyone with information to contact police as soon as possible.
“We hope the release of this footage will jog people’s memories,” Inspector Boutouridis said.
“The time of day, the location, the type of vehicle and towing a trailer, surely someone will have picked up on this and can assist us to talk to the driver.”
Investigators are also appealing for any motorists who might have been in the Freshwater area around the time of the crash and have dashcam footage to come forward.