Police are at the scene of an incident in the North Shore suburb of Northcote in which a female in her twenties has received moderate injuries as a result of being run over by a motor vehicle. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
Inspector Gary Davey says the female victim is in a stable condition in North Shore Hospital. Her injuries are considered to be non life threatening. She is to undergo further medical examination this evening.
"The incident happened at 2.30pm today Wednesday 9 January 2008 while police were executing a warrant at an address in Martin Crescent Northcote," he said.
"The female was a passenger in a van which arrived at the address. A male who is the alleged driver remained in the vehicle. When she got out of the van and walked a short distance to a nearby house she saw there were several police officers present. She ran from the address back across the small cul-de-sac to where the van was parked."
"A police officer chased the female on foot and while in the process of apprehending her, there has been a struggle and the victim has fallen onto the footpath."
"The driver of the van has evaded police by driving the vehicle onto the footpath and directly across the full body of the victim causing her to sustain moderate injuries. He has then sped from the scene. Police patrols are now actively combing the wider Auckland region for this vehicle."
Police have released a description of the vehicle they are seeking.
Toyota Van - light coloured - [either cream or white]
Registration Number EHE 864
The male driver of this vehicle is presently unidentified.
"There are several factors now linked to this incident," Inspector Davey said.
"There is an investigation into the alleged criminal activity at the address, the Serious Crash Unit are investigating the causes surrounding the vehicle incident and the injury to the female victim, and the circumstances will also be subject to an Independent Police Conduct Authority enquiry, he said."
The police officer who took part in the chase has received minor injuries.
Police are appealing to anyone who has information on the identity of the male driver, and sightings or movements of the Toyota van which sped from the scene. If you have any information on this incident please call the North Shore CIB, on telephone 09 839 0600,
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