Police have arrested and charged a 20-year-old man following an antisocial road user gathering in Gisborne overnight, as enforcement against antisocial vehicle users ramps up.
In the early hours of this morning, 30 December, Police were alerted to a group of around a dozen vehicles participating in antisocial road activity on the corner of Whatatutu and Matawai roads.
Eastern District Commander, Superintendent Jeanette Park said Police received multiple reports from disgruntled members of the public, and upon arrival the group quickly dispersed.
"One vehicle fled from Police after being signalled to stop for continuing to drive in a dangerous manner. The vehicle was then located further up Whatatutu Road where the driver was seen fleeing on foot. The vehicle was secured and impounded.
"Further enquiries and follow-up led to the driver of the vehicle being identified, and Police located and arrested the driver today."
The man is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on Monday 5 January, charged with failing to stop when required, dangerous driving and operating a vehicle causing sustained loss of traction.
"We’d like to thank the members of the public for reporting the antisocial activity in a timely manner, allowing Police to disperse the group.
“As we have previously said, anti-social road user behaviour is reckless and wreaks havoc on our communities. We won’t stand for it.
“If you break the law, you can expect to face the consequences. If we do not catch up with you at the time, you can expect a knock at the door and follow-up action to be taken,” says Superintendent Park.
“Officers will be out in force across the region to hold these dangerous drivers to account, and this shows the dedication our team has to ensure that people are held to account.”
Police will continue to take action to prevent this activity on our roads, and ask the public to please report any antisocial behaviour to Police. Please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
