Tauranga Police appeal for help to find man who fled crash and may have jumped into estuary

Police are appealing for anyone who saw a man near Turret Rd last night to come forward.

In a Facebook post, the police asked for help in finding the man who was involved in a crash about 7pm around Fraser Ave.

Police officers, along with Coastguard and the Tauranga Rescue Helicopter, searched the area last night but were unable to locate him, police said.

“Search and rescue teams have been launched in the area today as the search continues.”

Police are working to ascertain his whereabouts and ensure he is safe.

The man can be described as around 175cm tall, of solid build, in his mid-20s and of Māori descent.

Anyone who saw this person last night around the estuary near Fraser Ave/ Turret Rd, or anything that may assist Police in locating him, is urged to contact them on 105 or via 111 and reference file number 230617/9602.

Earlier

A man who fled the scene of a two-vehicle crash in Tauranga last night has not been found, a police spokesperson said today.

There were no injuries in the crash and inquiries were ongoing.

A police spokesperson confirmed yesterday that officers responded to reports of the crash on Turret Rd about 6.50pm.

“One male fled the area,” the spokesperson said.

The Herald understands the man jumped into a nearby estuary to escape police.

“A helicopter was briefly launched to scan the area,” the police spokesperson said.

Inquiries are ongoing to find the man.