Kumeu Police say the drunken antics of a Harley biker at the town's annual Hot Rod Show at the weekend, was premeditated by wantonly irresponsible, idiotic behaviour.
Sergeant Malcolm WALLACE, Officer in Charge at Kumeu, says at about 1530 hours [3.30pm] on Saturday 20 January 2007, a male rider entered the designated bar pavilion at the show, on a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
"For more than 30 seconds the rider completed several burnouts inside the bar. Such was the degree of traction generated on the concrete floor that palls of putrid smoke rapidly filled the venue. The rider then rode out the front entrance on one wheel and almost immediately lost control, injuring three boys aged eight to ten years, who were among the crowd of over 200 assembled outside," he said>
"The boys were taken to North Shore Hospital by ambulance where they were examined for minor abrasions and then later released after observation. They were very lucky not to have suffered further serious injury. Three police officers in attendance acted quickly to arrest the rider and remove him from the scene. The Harley motorcycle was immediately impounded."
"The angry crowd were preparing to take assertive action and the scene could have become very nasty. This rider demonstrated extremely reckless, unacceptable behaviour. Those who witnessed the incident were appalled and horrified. Kumeu Police would like the parents of the three affected boys to contact them so that further information can be obtained."
"As a result of the incident a 42 year old Glen Eden man will appear in the Waitakere District Court on Thursday on excess breath alcohol [EBA], and reckless driving charges. He is also charged with substantial loss of traction. This offence carries a penalty of up to three months imprisonment, a $4,500 fine and six month disqualification of licence," Sergeant WALLACE said.
ENDS:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308
Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz