Disappearance of G.P. still baffles police

Press, 13 July 1989, Page 16

Disappearance of G.P. still baffles police

PA Wellington The police continue to be puzzled about the disappearance of an Auckland general practitioner, Dr Peter Coop, from Dunedin more than a month ago. Senior-Sergeant Neville Blair, of Dunedin, said there had been no developments in the case; there was still no indication of foul play. He said the police had virtually exhausted their possibilities in gaining fresh insight into the man’s disappearance.

Senior-Sergeant Blair said a final option left open to the police — unless new evidence was discovered — was to transfer the file on the case to Auckland, and then interview Dr Coop’s family collectively. Previously, his wife and family were interviewed individually. Together they may be able to provide some new insight, Senior-Sergeant Blair said. Dr Coop was attending a post-graduate course when he disappeared from the staff hostel at Dunedin Hospital. At first, the police thought he had suffered an asthma attack or injured himelf while out running because a track suit and jogging shoes were missing from his room.

But the day after he abandoned most of his clothing and personal belongings in the hostel, a colleague saw him at Invercargill Airport.

Bank records showed that he had withrawn $5OO from his account.

Although the police believe he may have deliberately planned his disappearance, Senior-Sergeant Blair said it was strange there were so few signs of a planned disappearance. For example, there had been no evidence of further

money withdrawals, contacts with friends and family, accommodation bookings, or hiring a car. Nor had there been sightings of him since he . was reportedly spotted in Invercargill early last month. Senior-Sergeant Blair said it was frustrating that the police could only speculate about the missing doctor’s fate.

“We are a bit limited in what we can do. If any fresh evidence comes in we will follow it up, but at present there is just nothing.” Dr Coop’s wife, family and colleagues told the police his life appeared to be normal until his disappearance. Senior-Sergeant Blair said there was also no evidence Dr Coop had gone overseas.

“Anyway, he hasn’t got his passport with him.”

Another possibility was that he could have gone to Stewart Island — which he had visited previously. Senior-Sergeant Blair said Stewart Island and other areas in Otago and Southland would be searched only if there was solid indication he might be there.

Dr Coop had disappeared for several days in 1980 without telling his family. Senior-Sergeant Blair said Dr Coop was suffering from examination pressure at that time, but did not appear to be under stress in Dunedin recently. “It may well be that he could have developed some medical or mental condition, which explains his actions, but it’s just speculation at this stage.” He said Dr Coop’s family had been cooperative and had kept in contact, but remained as baffled as police over the affair.