Police Launch Search for Driver Following Serious Hit-and-Run in Tokoroa

A young child is hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a grey Nissan sedan in a Tokoroa hit-and-run; police are seeking a male driver.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 4:55 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Incident at Torphin Crescent

The collision occurred at approximately 4:30 pm on Torphin Crescent, a residential area in the central North Island town of Tokoroa. According to initial police reports, the child was cycling near the local Woolworths supermarket when they were hit by an oncoming car. Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver did not slow down or attempt to provide aid, instead speeding away from the intersection immediately after the impact.

Description of the Suspect and Vehicle

Investigating officers have identified the vehicle involved as a grey Nissan sedan. While the specific registration number remains unknown, police have released a description of the alleged driver based on witness accounts. The suspect is described as a fair-skinned male with shoulder-length hair who was wearing glasses at the time of the crash. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses, including the supermarket, to track the vehicle's movements before and after the hit-and-run.

Emergency Response and Victim Status

Following the 111 call, police and ambulance crews arrived quickly to provide medical assistance to the injured child. The victim was stabilized at the scene before being moved to the hospital for specialized treatment for serious injuries. Due to the age of the victim and the ongoing nature of the search, further personal details have not been released. [Additional information regarding the child's recovery was not available at the time of reporting].