The driver who fatally injured 16-year-old Auckland skateboarder Jacob Pakura will know "without doubt" they hit somebody, police say
Family members of Jacob Pakura, with Inspector Trevor Beggs, spoke to media at the stretch of road where the 16-year-old was found. Photo: RNZ / Carla Penman
The teenager was found unconscious on Rua Road, New Lynn, on Saturday night and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Inspector Trevor Beggs said neighbours described hearing a car coming down the road at speed, just prior to midnight.
The driver would have known they had hit somebody and would have had significant damage to their car, Mr Beggs said.
They would face charges when they were found, he said.
"To have left a young man lying in the middle of the road with catastrophic injuries is just simply unthinkable."
Jacob's mother, Esther Pakura, who attended this afternoon's news conference with other family members, said the driver needed to come forward so the family could have some closure.
"Our biggest question to this person, the person who did this, is why couldn't you stop? That was our baby."
She spoke about Jacob's love of life, and his passion for skateboarding.
"He took every opportunity that he got. He loved his skateboard, he had lots of friends and he was very charismatic. He got along with everyone."
Police wanted any panelbeaters or mechanics who might have had someone come in in the last few days with suspicious damage to their car, and wanting a quick repair job, to come forward, Mr Beggs said.
Officers had gone from door to door in the area, trying to find more witnesses to help piece together what happened, and were working to gather CCTV footage.
They did not have a description of the driver or the vehicle yet but said it appeared they fled north towards West Coast Road.
The scene was blessed after the news conference, with the road closed while this took place.
Family and friends gathered to witness the blessing of the area on Rua Road where the 16-year-old was found. Photo: RNZ / Carla Penman
Police said the teenager was skateboarding on the road in the suburb of New Lynn when he was hit. Photo: Google Maps
