Israel Jack: Witness sought

A cap thought to belong to Israel Jack has been handed into police nearly three weeks after his death. This has investigators confident that the community holds the key to establishing the circumstanc

Police investigating the death of Israel Jack in Rotorua are trying to identify the driver of a truck who may be a crucial witness.

Mr Jack, who was 20, was found dead on Te Ngae Rd around 4.25am on Sunday, August 18.

He had been struck by at least two vehicles while he was lying prone in the road.

Police said he had been seen alive at the Caltex Te Ngae service station, on the corner of Te Ngae Rd and Owhata Rd, approximately five minutes earlier, leaving a question unanswered as to how he covered 1.4km in that time.

Police have carried out hundreds of enquiries and continued to work their way through hours of security footage and from one security camera the investigation team has identified a two-axle, single cab, flatbed commercial truck which may help them learn more about what happened.

It was travelling towards the city.

"This truck would have travelled past the location where Mr Jack died within the very small timeframe that we are interested in," said head of CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith.

" That driver could have vital witness information, even if they don't realise it, so it is equally vital that we find out who they are and speak to them."

Police still want to hear from anyone who was on Te Ngae Rd, Owhata Rd or in and around the Te Ngae Shopping Centre between 4am and 5am on Sunday, August 18.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.