Police seek woman after fatal hit-and-run on NSW South Coast

Trevor Fleet, 73, died after being struck by a vehicle following an argument in Bega

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
NSW Police are searching for a woman who allegedly reversed into and killed a 73-year-old man after a roadside argument on the state's South Coast last month, with investigators appealing for the driver to come forward.

Eden man Trevor Fleet was struck by a vehicle on August 31 at 12:16pm at Newtown Road near the intersection of the Princes Highway in Bega. Police believe Mr Fleet and a woman had pulled over to the side of the road and had a face-to-face argument before the alleged offender returned to her vehicle and reversed into him. Mr Fleet fell, sustained serious injuries and died in hospital the next day.

Four weeks on, NSW Police have established Strike Force Dalore to investigate and are looking for a woman in her 30s or 40s. The alleged offender remains in the community, according to Detective Inspector Justin Marks, crime manager at South Coast Police District.

"The offender remains in the community and knows what has occurred," Detective Marks said. "I'm hoping the offender has a conscience. I'm hoping the offender comes forward and is … given the opportunity to provide her version of events."

Police believe the meeting between the two was not planned. Detective Marks said Mr Fleet's partner was in their vehicle at the time and is still "traumatised" from the incident. "Trevor was a husband, a loving parent, a family member and a friend to many," he said. "What we're looking at is an elderly male who was well respected in the community that has died unnecessarily."

Investigators are urging the public's help to locate a Caucasian woman of "solid build", about five-and-a-half feet tall, with a round face and blonde hair. She was wearing navy blue work pants and a dark long-sleeve jumper. She was driving a large silver SUV, believed to be a Holden brand, with NSW black and white number plates and a bull bar.

"Investigators believe that other motorists driving past at the time may have witnessed Mr Fleet being hit by this vehicle," Detective Marks said. "Unless that person was travelling through Bega to travel south or north, that person had to be in Bega for a reason. So we're assuming that that person is tied to the community. No piece of information is too small, and what may seem as insignificant could prove vital to this investigation."

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • A 73-year-old man has died in circumstances police describe as unnecessary, and the alleged offender has not been identified four weeks after the incident.
  • The case highlights the potential legal and community consequences of leaving the scene after a fatal incident.
  • The investigation relies on public assistance, underscoring the role of the community in solving such crimes.

Background

Hit-and-run incidents involving fatalities are treated seriously by NSW Police, often leading to the establishment of specialised strike forces. In this case, Strike Force Dalore has been set up to gather evidence including CCTV and witness statements. Police are appealing directly to the alleged offender, suggesting they believe the person may have local ties and could come forward voluntarily.

Key Perspectives

NSW Police: Investigators are seeking the woman's version of events and have publicly appealed to her conscience, indicating they view her cooperation as possible and desirable. They are also looking for other witnesses, particularly motorists who may have seen the collision. Victim's family and community: Mr Fleet is remembered as a well-respected community figure and family man. His partner remains traumatised. The community is likely to want a swift resolution and justice. The alleged offender: Police have not released any statement from her. The investigation assumes she is aware of what happened and has not yet come forward. Her perspective is unknown, but police are offering the opportunity to provide her side.

What to Watch

  • Whether the woman comes forward in response to the police appeal.
  • Release of any additional CCTV footage or witness accounts that could identify the vehicle or driver.
  • Updates from Strike Force Dalore as the investigation progresses, including potential charges.

Sources

Zotpaper

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