Hamilton Police are continuing to conduct inquiries to locate a number of people following a serious assault on an officer who was arresting an intoxicated teenager found breaching his bail overnight.
City Area Commander, Inspector John Kelly, said initial reports of what happened are that Police became aware of a 16-year-old male who was bailed to a Kahikatea Dr address breaching his conditions shortly before 9pm.
“Steps were taken to locate this male and a unit has gone to a Karen Cres property where he was located drinking with a number of other people. As our officers were trying to effect an arrest the juvenile has resisted, punching an officer about his head and face.
“We understand about six people have come out of the house and surrounded the Police officers with at least one other person believed to have assaulted our staff.”
Mr Kelly said during the course of the attack an Officer Safety Alarm (OSA) device was activated resulting in an urgent call for assistance being broadcast to other Police units.
“Unfortunately one of our responding units has lost control in the wet on the Dinsdale roundabout and collided with a light pole.
“Though no one was injured in the crash the patrol car and pole suffered significant damage and that crash is also currently being investigated. At this point given the current conditions this serves as a reminder just how challenging the driving conditions are and all drivers need to take heed from this, including our own.”
While the juvenile offender at the centre of the attack was arrested and due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today, Mr Kelly said a second juvenile offender was apprehended this morning and dealt with by Youth Aid and Police haven’t ruled further arrests.
“At the same time we are also focusing on the welfare of our staff involved and ensuring they get the appropriate support they need.”
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