NT Police release fresh image of vehicle of interest in Paikea Hiko hit and run
UPDATE: A CLEARER image of the vehicle of interest in the investigation into the Leanyer hit and run that injured a young boy has been released by police.
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UPDATE: A CLEARER image of the vehicle of interest in the investigation into the Leanyer hit and run has been released by police.
NT Police released the image on Wednesday afternoon after recieving ‘numerous’ leads from the public.
The image is from CCTV prioer to the crash which left Paikea Hiko, 5, with multiple broken bones and internal injuries.
It appears to be a 2002-2005 silver or grey Ford Falcon XR6.
Major Crash Investigation Unit officer in charge Brendan Lindner said: “We have received numerous leads from the public thus far and hope that these clearer visuals will assist us in locating the person of interest. Anyone who recognises the vehicle or driver is strongly urged to come forward.
“We are keen to identify similar vehicles which have sustained front end damage or been repaired this week. If you are aware of any similar vehicles in your area which are not parked in their regular place this week, we appeal to members of the community to provide us this info also.”
Anyone with information or CCTV or who was travelling in the area, particularly vehicles with dashcam footage is urged to contact police on 131 444 or CrimeStoppers 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number 9428828.
EARLIER: THE family of a young child who was lucky to survive a hit-and-run in Darwin on Monday afternoon have spoken out against the “disgusting” driver who failed to stop.
Paikea Hiko, five, was crossing Vanderlin Drive on his scooter with his older brother and another friend to the Leanyer skate park around 5.30pm on Monday when he was struck by a car at the lights.
The driver, who is understood to have been driving a silver sedan, kept driving towards Casuarina.
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NT Police said CCTV and dashcam footage had revealed a car of interest – a 2002-2005 model Ford Falcon possibly an XR6 or XR8.
Cops are calling for anyone who can identify the driver or who may have footage to contact them.
The boy is in a stable condition but remains in hospital with two broken legs, a broken arm and bruising on his lung and kidney.
Paikea’s older sister Sanyika Calma said he will likely have to be flown to Adelaide for surgery.
“It’s very hard and stressful on my mum,” Ms Calma said.
“This guy who thought it was okay to hit a kid and keep going, it’s disgusting.
“How dare you leave a little innocent child lying on the side of the road.”
Ms Calma said Paikea’s older brother Quentin, 8, who witnessed the incident is also traumatised.
“Since last night he hasn’t slept properly, he hasn’t been eating. He went to school but just fell asleep under his desk.”
She said her family hopes by speaking out, it will help police track down the driver.
“We went to get the story out so this man, whoever hit my little brother, we hope this man is like ‘yep the police are looking for me, I have to turn myself in.”
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Anyone who can assist police with identifying the vehicle or the driver involved is urged to contact them.
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