The car that was seized by Waikato police in relation to an incident where a teenage boy was run over multiple times. Photo: NZ Police
The 15-year-old who was struck multiple times by a car in Waikato will have long-term disabilities - if he survives, police say.
The boy was walking on Old Taupiri Road near Ngāruawāhia about 5pm on Wednesday when he was struck by a car and run over more than once, Detective Inspector Darrell Harpur said.
Teenager in hospital after hit and run in Ngaruawahia
"It's a particularly nasty targeted serious assault," Harpur told Checkpoint.
"The young man, 15 years old, is going to have long-term disabilities from this incident. He's currently in intensive care.
"Multiple fractures and breaks, internal injuries, surgeries... he's going to be in there for months.
"We have spoken to a witness who was there at the time and witnessed the events unfold."
The witness said the driver ran over the boy multiple times.
"It's such a nasty, particularly nasty incident," Harpur said.
"It still could well be a homicide. Injuries like this, there's always a potential the victim could pass away. He's currently fighting for his life in intensive care."
The car, a black Toyota Auris with registration number NBE817, was found abandoned at Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve near Tauhei.
Harpur said police wanted to hear from anyone who saw the car between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday between Huntly and Taupiri.
"We know this car - a black Toyota Auris with the registration number NBE817 - left the Huntly township at approximately 4.40pm on Wednesday 10 April and travelled to the Hopuhopu area."
Police believe this was a targeted attack, and the driver of the car purposely struck the victim before then driving the car over him more than once, he said.
Harpur said police were "keeping an open mind" about a motive but he did not believe there was any gang involvement.
"We're making good process. I'm confident we'll be able to achieve a good result soon."
Harpur said he could not comment as to whether the victim may have known his assailant or assailants.
"We are appealing to the community to come forward," particularly if they have any footage.
Police have set up a portal for images and short recordings to be uploaded into.
Anyone with information or larger quantities of footage can contact police on 105 quoting file number: 240410/3018.