It's normally used as an eye in the sky but today in Hamilton the Police Eagle Helicopter was used to make a more direct impression in the hunt for three robbers.
Senior Sergeant Peter Van De Wetering said Hamilton Police responded to a call of a dairy being held up on Heaphy Tce shortly before 1pm.
"Two males and a girl have entered the store where they have threatened the sole female shop attendant.
"The woman has then been assaulted before the trio fled the store with a variety of items, heady north towards the Claudelands Showgrounds and the adjoining Jubilee Park."
Staff from across the City descended on the area and one of the males was spotted exiting the park by a dog handler.
"When the offender has struggled with the officer he called for assistance," said Mr Van De Wetering.
"As it turned out the closest unit was actually above them and once assessing there was no risk, the pilot landed the helicopter allowing a Police member to swiftly intervene and subdue the man."
Meanwhile other officers had encountered the remaining girl and male hiding in bushes in the park, the male initially struck one of the officers before taking off through the bush where he has then assaulted another officer.
"He's picked up a log and attempted to hit one of our staff and was subdued with the use of pepper spray.
"All three were arrested and face a variety of charges including aggravated assault, resisting arrest, robbery, and assaulting Police charges and will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court on Monday."
Mr Van De Wetering said Police had a message for those contemplating causing trouble in the City while Police were busy policing the Hamilton 400.
"Our advice is don't. With additional staff bought in from around the North Island Hamilton Police are more than capable of carrying out business as usual and you may find yourselves in hot water quicker than you think."
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