A motorcyclist who died in a crash while allegedly fleeing police in Gisborne last week has been formally named by police.
He was Gisborne man Jonathan Vincent Geurtse.
The 36-year-old died after colliding with a parked vehicle. Police said he had failed to stop for officers before crashing on State Highway 35 on Thursday, July 25.
“Police extend our sympathies to his family and loved ones at this difficult time,” Inspector Darren Paki said.
Police had attempted to stop Geurtse near Makaorori Beach for speeding but he fled before he could be spoken to, Paki said at the time.
A blue vehicle was nearly hit as the motorcyclist attempted to overtake a truck.
He then collided with a parked vehicle and died at the scene, “despite the efforts of members of the public and emergency services to save him”.
“The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority,” Paki said today.
Police were continuing to appeal for information and speak to witnesses, including the driver of the blue vehicle which was nearly hit.
“Police have spoken with a number of witnesses to the crash and have reviewed security footage, as we continue our work to piece together what occurred.”
