Police are appealing to a women who reversed her vehicle into an elderly man during an apparent road rage incident in Bega to hand herself in before they track her down.
Strikeforce Delore has now been established as police step up efforts to find the woman driving a large silver sports utility vehicle with black and NSW rego plates.
It follows the August 31 incident on Newtown Road which claimed the life of 73-year-old Eden man Trevor Fleet.
South Coast Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Justin Marks said Strikeforce Delores will leave no stone unturned to track down the woman.
“Today, we are appealing to the community for assistance. Investigators have identified the alleged defender as being a female, Caucasian, 30 to 40 years old, of solid build. She’s 5.5 foot tall, with a round face and blonde hair. The offender was wearing navy blue work pants and a dark long sleeve jumper,” Detective Inspector Marks said.
“We asking anyone who may have information that could assist police to come forward. Even the smallest detail, something that may even significant, could be the piece of information that helps progress this investigation,” he said.
“The offender remains in the community and knows what has occurred. We are urging her to do the right thing and contact police.
“We are also appealing to anyone who may have spoken with her. Seeing relevant vehicles, or has information about her movements before or after the incident to come forward.
“Tragically, a person has lost their life as a result of this incident. His family is continuing to mourn his loss. The significant loss of a loved one. Trevor was a husband, a loving parent, a family member, and a friend to many. Our thoughts remain with them, as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
“On the information provided from the infancy of the investigation is that we believed that the meeting between the offender and Mr. Fleet wasn’t planned. So whether it was some type of road rage incident or whether it was the case that the offender may have issues with the way in which the victim was driving, whatever has happened has caused the victim to stop his motor vehicle, has caused the offender to also stop her motor vehicle, where an altercation has happened.
“As a result of an altercation, the offender has returned to her vehicle and has reversed backwards, striking Mr. Fleet. They had had a meeting but investigators are of the opinion that meeting was not planned.”
Detective Inspector Marks said the passage of time does not reduce the police commitment to this investigation.
“Detectives are committed to enforce the law. They remain determined to identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable,” Detective Inspector Marks said.
“We are seeking information in relation to a large silver SUV, believed to be a Holden, which New South Wales, black and white number plates. The vehicle also has a bull bar. This vehicle was believed to have been involved in the fatal hidden run, which ultimately killed Mr. Fleet,” he said.
“Anyone with information, dash cam footage, CCTV or any other material that may assist investigators are urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or your local police.
“Investigators believe that other motorists driving past at the time they have witnessed Mr. Fleet being hit by this vehicle. If you are one of these persons, I ask you to come forward and speak with detectives. No piece of information is too small, and what may be seem to you as being insignificant, could prove vital to this investigation.
“Bega is a small area. We’re looking at obviously a number of other vehicles. Unless that person was travelling through Bega to travel south or north. There’s a bypass. That person has to be in Bega for a reason, whether it’s to get fuel, to get groceries, or that person is a local resident. So we’re assuming that that person is tied to the community.”
