A pedestrian in his seventies has been hospitalised and his dog killed instantly after both were struck by a vehicle in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Nelson Bay.
Incident Details at Stockton Street Crossing
The collision occurred just before 9am on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. According to Port Stephens-Hunter police, the man was walking his dog on Stockton Street near the Church Street roundabout.
Officers stated the pedestrian had paused briefly at the safety island in the middle of the road before continuing to cross. It was at this moment that a blue midsized crossover wagon entered the roundabout.
The vehicle struck the man on his left side, clipping his leg and elbow, and hit the dog, which died at the scene. The driver failed to stop at the collision site or provide any personal or vehicle details to the injured party.
Police Appeal for Information and Footage
Investigators have released details of a vehicle of interest in connection with the incident. They are urgently seeking to speak with the driver of a blue Ford Territory seen in the Nelson Bay area around the time of the crash.
Police are also calling on the public for assistance. They urge anyone with information, or who may have captured relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from Stockton Street or the Church Street roundabout on Tuesday morning, to come forward.
How to Contact Authorities
Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Witnesses or anyone with evidence are asked to call 1800 333 000 or submit a report via the Crime Stoppers online portal.
This appeal highlights the critical role community-held video evidence now plays in solving traffic incidents, especially those where drivers fail to fulfil their legal obligations.
