Hit-and-run suspect being hunted months after event

Police are hunting a suspected hit-and-run driver who allegedly knocked down a South Auckland pedestrian nearly five months ago, breaking his pelvis.

Talilotu-I-Fanga Tupou, 30, had been identified only recently after the October 20 incident.

The 42-year-old victim suffered a dislocated shoulder, a broken pelvis and other injuries, for which he was still having treatment, police said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Malthus from the Counties Manukau police, said Tupou had outstanding arrest warrants unrelated to the hit-and-run.

The pedestrian was crossing Massey Rd, Mangere, with his wife when a Nissan Courier ute knocked him down and failed to stop.

The ute was found abandoned a short time later. Police said it had been deregistered and should not have been on the road.

It had taken police some time to identify the possible driver due to difficulties tracking down the registered owner.

Tupou had been stopped in the same vehicle in July last year.

Ms Malthus said he may not know he was being sought in connection with the hit and run.

- NZPA