Detectives are appealing for an anonymous caller to come forward as they continue investigations into the suspicious death of a man in the state’s Hunter region nearly two years ago.
Just after 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street at Glenridding, after a man’s body was located on the side of the road.
The man was later identified as New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen, aged 43, who had come to the Hunter region to assist with bushfire efforts.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District formed Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen’s death.
Investigators believe Mr Pullen was struck by a vehicle between 4am and 5.30am that day.
An anonymous call made to police indicated that the vehicle involved returned to the scene, where the occupants exited the car and approached Mr Pullen while he was still alive.
Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matthew Zimmer, reminded the community that a $350,000 reward remained on offer for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Mr Pullen’s death.
“Ian Pullen had come to the region to help the community battle a bushfire threat and to think that someone struck him with their vehicle and left him to die is abhorrent,” Det Insp Zimmer said.
“An anonymous tip-off has led investigators to believe the driver of the vehicle knew they had struck someone, and police are interested in their movements after exiting the car.
“We are appealing for that caller to come forward and speak with investigators so we can continue to piece together exactly what happened on that tragic morning.
“It’s been nearly two years since Mr Pullen’s death, and we want to provide some answers for his heart-broken family. They need to know what happened to their loving son, husband and father,” Det Insp Zimmer said.
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