Queenstown police have released descriptions of people they want to talk to in relation to the robbery and assault of a Green Cabs taxi driver early on February 5.
The incident occurred about 3.20am, when a 24-year-old male taxi driver was attacked by three men, after driving a male passenger to the Queenstown Memorial Recreation Ground, where the passenger said he would meet a friend who had some money.
When the passenger did not return to the taxi, after saying he needed to use a public toilet, the driver went on foot to look for him at the recreation ground, Detective Matt Jones, of Queenstown, said in a statement yesterday.
The driver was then attacked and robbed, allegedly by the passenger and two other men. Two of the men took a cash box from the taxi, which contained around $700.
Police would like to speak to a man who received a telephone call on February 5, about 3.15am and met the passenger in the taxi, at the Man St entrance to the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park, beside a large set of gates.
He was asked if he had any money to pay the taxi fare.
Police believe the man lives in the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park.
He is described as Caucasian, of thin build, about 175cm, or 5ft 9in, in height, with curly, dark, shoulder-length hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt and half-length trousers.
Police are keen to speak to a woman who used a cellphone belonging to the Green Cabs taxi driver to call the Green Cabs call centre on February 5, at 4.32am.
Police are also seeking information about the identities of three other people.
- A man of Maori or Polynesian descent, aged around 20-25 years, about 172cm in height and of solid build, who walks with a slight limp.
- A man, with olive or dark skin, around 25-30 years, about 182cm tall, of muscular build with very short, shaven hair and some facial hair. He had numbers written on the back of his right hand.
- A man of Maori or Polynesian descent, aged about 20 years, about 172cm tall and of average build.
Police believe it is likely this group were frequenting central Queenstown on the night of February 5. Security camera footage of the people is not available.
