Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Swann, Northland Police.
Police attended a fleeing driver incident in Northland today that occurred on Inland Road, Karikari Peninsula.
At approximately 2.45pm a vehicle was sighted travelling at excessive speed which failed to stop for Police.
A pursuit was initiated but abandoned due to the manner of dangerous driving.
Police set up road spikes and the vehicle was spiked eventually coming to a stop. However, it then reversed at high speed directly into the Police vehicle behind it which has received extensive damage.
Unfortunately two other vehicles were struck by the offending vehicle – luckily none of those occupants were injured.
One officer sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at the scene.
Fleeing driver incidents are incredibly dangerous. The drivers are putting not only themselves at risk but also, police staff and innocent members of our community going about their daily lives.
A 45-year-old Mangonui man was arrested and charged with assault with a blunt instrument, failing to stop, recklessly causing injury, possession of drug utensils, possession of an offensive weapon and is being held in custody overnight to appear in the Kaitaia District Court tomorrow.
ENDS
Monique Caddy/NZ Police