Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston, Far North Police:
Police have arrested and charged a 15-year-old male following a pursuit near Mangamuka in the Far North this morning.
The vehicle involved was the stolen red Suzuki Swift that Police had been seeking following the alleged robbery and assault of an 82-year-old male in Kerikeri on Friday 21st September 2018.
Earlier today, Police arrested and charged a 17-year-old male in relation to Friday’s aggravated robbery incident. He will appear in the Kaikohe District Court tomorrow.
Enquiries into that incident are ongoing and Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston says Police are still seeking a second person in connection to the aggravated robbery.
“We want to thank the community who have been extremely helpful in providing valuable information which has led to these arrests. We know that the public would have been saddened to hear how a vulnerable, elderly member of our community was preyed upon and we are pleased to have located one of the alleged offenders involved in this nasty incident.
“While we are limited in what we can say now there is an arrest, Police are confident that there will be further charges as a result of this investigation.
Police can also advise that the victim has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home. Unfortunately his car has sustained considerable damage and is unlikely to be roadworthy.
The 15-year-old male will appear in the Youth Court later this week, charged with receiving the stolen vehicle and a number of driving charges.
ENDS
Nick Baker/NZ Police