By KATRINA BRANDON
MAJOR Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a man was found dead in Trafalgar last Sunday.
The man’s body was found on the side of Waterloo Road, Trafalgar on Sunday, July 28 around 10.30am on in a suspected hit and run.
The driver failed to stop at the scene. Detectives have sent vehicle fragments for forensic analysis to determine what type of vehicle was involved.
Tire marks also found at the scene appear to belong to an off-road vehicle, but it is yet to be determined what type of vehicle was involved.
Speaking to media in Traralgon on Monday, July 29, Detective Sergeant Peter Romanis said it was apparent the man had been hit by a vehicle sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
“We are appealing to the community for assistance in identifying that vehicle, given its location, and to identify and piece together what happened to this individual,” he said.
“The deceased male appears to be in his 50s or early 60s, has a grey beard, wearing a black tracksuit top, a white chequered shirt, black track pants with two white stripes down the sides, and no shoes.”
Detective Sergeant Romanis said police believe the deceased male may have been homeless or had a medical episode, leading him to be without any shoes.
The deceased was last seen Saturday night around 7pm alongside the Waterloo Road area.
Police believe he was possibly a local, as well as the driver.
Police are urging the community to speak up if they have information about the incident.
Police have also notified the local aged care facilities and Missing Persons Unit, but they were still unable to identify the deceased.
“Imagine if this was your family or friend; what would you expect them to do in that circumstance?” Detective Sergeant Romanis said.
“We are urging the person to step up and tell us what had happened from their perspective.”
There has now been 25 pedestrian incidents in Victoria and 10 in Eastern Victoria.
Last year, there was only 16 incidents involving pedestrians.
The spike in numbers has Victoria Police worried.
“The spike in incidents is a concern,” Detective Sergeant Romanis said.
“Vic Police are urging people to take more care on the roads.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage, or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
