Hit and run victim had refused offer of ride, police say

Police say a man killed in an alleged hit and run incident had refused an offer of a ride home.

Peter John Simpson, 40 died on the side of State Highway 2 near Te Puke early yesterday morning after being hit from behind by a vehicle.

He was walking home with his son Hemi, 17, after the woman driving the car they were in was taken to Tauranga police station for drink driving.

The Herald on Sunday reported today that family members were angered that police had not taken the pair home to Te Puke.

But Senior Sergeant Ian Campion, officer in charge of the Western Bay of Plenty strategic traffic unit rejected claims Mr Simpson was refused a lift home by police.

He said a patrol car was searching for a reported stolen car in Welcome Bay Road, Tauranga, when it was flagged down by a lone woman standing next to a vehicle on the road.

"The woman appeared very intoxicated and would only provide her first name stating she was waiting for her husband and son who had walked off to go to the toilet. However a search of the immediate area failed to locate any other persons."

He said police offered to drive the woman home in her car but she she refused saying she would wait for her husband and son to return.

"Not prepared to leave the woman on her own police again offered her a lift home but she refused.

"She also refused to hand over the vehicle keys and was then detained for detoxification purposes and advised she would be taken back to the Tauranga police station.

"The woman had been placed in the patrol car when her husband appeared. However he refused to provide any details and appeared to be heavily intoxicated."

Both the woman and male were again offered a lift home but refused, Mr Campion said.

"The woman became abusive and assaulted a female police officer and was then arrested for assault on police. The male was advised to stay with the vehicle and police would return to pick him up. When police returned to the vehicle for him he could not be located."

Mr Campion said the couple's son was not present at the time police spoke with the woman and Mr Simpson.

He said police acted appropriately and in the best interests of those involved and he was tired of police being the target of criticism when things go wrong.

"People need to take responsibility and be accountable for their own actions," he said.

He said he believed immediate family members they had dealt with following this tragic incident had been happy with police action taken.

Police have found the vehicle sought in connection with the fatality and were last night speaking to a 16-year-old Te Puke youth.

- NZPA