Hamilton Police investigating how a man ended up in hospital fighting for his life after an incident in the east of the City on Thursday night urge the public not to take matters into their own hands.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Bu Bear of the Hamilton CIB said a 41-year-old man remains in a critical condition in Waikato Hospital following an incident in which it appears he tried to stop a man illegally dumping rubbish from driving of.
"Our enquiries are still underway but it appears the victim has seen the man illegally dumping rubbish and confronted him before phoning Police.
"The offender has made to drive off and in an attempt to stop this the victim has sat on the bonnet of the offender's car and was seen by witnesses to travelling on the bonnet as the vehicle was driven from Dey St on to Naylor St where he fell off the vehicle and was injured."
Mr Bu Bear said the victim was not known to the offender who was located a short time later at his home address.
"Investigators have spoken to several witnesses who came forward after hearing appeals for information and the offender was arrested and charged with failing to stop or ascertain injury."
"This incident highlights the risks of people confronting offenders, we urge members of the public to ring 111 and allow those trained and equipped to deal with the situation. We need the community's assistance in such matters but we need to ensure people keep themselves safe."
The offender will appear in the Hamilton District Court on Wednesday and Police haven't ruled out further charges.
End