A major crime has now been declared in relation to the hit and run fatal death of a pedestrian, struck by an unknown vehicle on the Stuart Highway about 15 kilometres north of Three Ways Road House last month.
Detective Superintendent Brent Warren from the Southern Investigations Division said that Operation Cube had been established as new information relating to the incident emerges.
“We have now classified this incident a major crime and Detectives are developing a comprehensive timeline relating to the movements of the deceased on the night of the hit and run crash.
“At this stage in the investigation it is clear that the 38-year-old victim may well have survived his injuries if the driver of the offending vehicle stopped and rendered assistance.
“A review of CCTV footage from locations on the Stuart and Barkly Highways has enabled us to focus on specific vehicles that were in the area at the time of the incident.
“Inquiries in relation to any potential witnesses travelling in the vicinity, including tourist vehicles and road trains that may have passed through the area at the relevant time, remain ongoing.
“Investigators are looking to speak with the occupants of a backpacker style van and a four wheel drive vehicle which was travelling south bound on the Stuart Highway around the time of the crash.
“Several statements have already been taken from drivers passing through the area of interest during the course of the night, including witnesses who saw the deceased prior to the crash occurring.
“Someone knows something about this fatal crash. I am hopeful that the person responsible realises that the right thing to do is to come forward and speak to Police.
“We are imploring anyone with any information about the incident to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Calls to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.”
Police would like to speak with any person who may have been travelling on the Stuart Highway about 17 kilometres north of Three Ways Road House, between 10.30pm on Friday 28 and 2am on Saturday 29 November 2014.
