DETECTIVES have released an image of a man they want to interview about a hit-run collision that claimed a cyclist’s life at Anakie on Mother’s Day.
Gordon Ibbs, 77, died from injuries he sustained after he was struck by a car on Geelong-Ballan Road just after 2.30pm on Sunday 10 May.
The vehicle involved failed to stop at the scene.
Police located a burnt out vehicle in a carpark just off Cape-Otway Road in Wurdiboluc Reservoir, Winchelsea on around 5pm on 12 May.
It’s believed this vehicle was the same vehicle involved in the collision and is currently undergoing forensic examination.
Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin from the Major Collision Investigation Unit urged anyone who knew anything about this crime to come forward.
“We have received a number of anonymous phone calls providing information about Mr Ibbs’ death,” Det Insp Rankin said.
“There are people out there who know who is responsible.
“Mr Ibbs’ family have been traumatised by his passing and I ask anyone who has provided information anonymously to police to consider Mr Ibbs loved ones, and to have the courage to come forward and provide that piece of information to enable us to charge and prosecute the offender.
“The person who struck Mr Ibbs and left him to die on the side of the road does not deserve to be protected by anyone. It was a callous and cowardly act, and shows a contemptuous attitude to the value of a human life.
“To leave the scene of a crash where someone has been hurt is just an extreme act of selfishness. One asks why the offender would do this – is he a disqualified driver, was he intoxicated or had he taken drugs?
“Whatever the reason, he put his own interests before another human being, and he should be condemned for it.”
Det Insp Rankin said investigators were convinced the hit-run driver received assistance from at least one other person after the crash.
“I ask anyone who may have assisted the offender to consider their position, if they come forward of their own accord.”
