Police updates on crimes and investigations for 17 May 2022.
Name release – quad bike crash, Waverley
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a quad bike crash in Waverley on 7 May.
He was Callum John Hickey, 41, of Waverley.
Police extend their sympathies to his family and friends.
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
Name release – deceased kayaker, Wairoa
Police can now name the man who died while kayaking in Tuai, Wairoa.
He was Rangimaria Anzac Williams, 63, of Wairoa.
Police extend their condolences to his whānau and friends.
Police wish to acknowledge the efforts of three experienced kayakers who attempted to rescue Mr Williams when he got into difficulty.
Police are conducting enquiries on behalf of the coroner, who will release their finding in due course.
Four arrested following burglary and fleeing driver incident
Police have arrested four people following a burglary and fleeing driver incident at a Silverdale electronics store overnight.
The burglary occurred at around 1am and as Police approached the scene, two vehicles were observed leaving the area.
Police’s Air Support Unit, Eagle, was deployed into the area and has observed the occupants of one of these vehicles transferring stolen goods into a third vehicle.
Ground staff were directed to this location and attempted to block this third vehicle, but it rammed two police vehicles before fleeing.
No pursuit was initiated. Instead, Eagle continued to provide observations of this vehicle as it entered the motorway network on the wrong side of the road.
It travelled across the Harbour Bridge and exited on Curran Street where spikes were successfully deployed.
During this time, a Police vehicle heading to the area has been involved in a single vehicle crash on Jervois Road.
Fortunately, both staff did not sustain serious injuries but were taken to hospital for observations. Police are ensuring there is welfare in support for the staff involved in this.
The fleeing vehicle has continued through Ponsonby and entered the North-Western motorway.
Eagle has continued to observe this vehicle throughout and for an extended period of time has been driven around the North-Western in an dangerous manner.
Spikes were again successfully deployed near Westgate.
The vehicle entered the motorway again, but shortly afterward has been blocked by Police and the matter brought to an end.
Police swiftly took the four occupants into custody, including the 20-year-old driver. The other occupants were aged between 15 and 17.
Police are incredibly disappointed by the actions and choices of this group. These offenders have demonstrated a complete disregard for every other person who may have been using the road at this time.
It is sheer luck the public and the offenders themselves were not seriously injured as a result of this reckless driving behaviour.
Police enquiries are continuing into this incident, and expect to lay a number of charges as a result of what has occurred.
Hutt Valley Police investigate serious burglary in Wainuiomata
Hutt Valley Police are investigating after an excavator was used to gain entry into a service station on Wainuiomata Road in Wainuiomata.
Police were alerted to the burglary just before 2.30am.
The excavator, which was unlawfully taken from a nearby construction site, caused significant damage to the building.
Police staff, including a dog handler, were in the area soon after however were unable to locate any offenders at the time.
A scene guard has been in place overnight as the building has been deemed to be unstable.
“We are treating this matter seriously and we believe someone in the close knit Wainuiomata community will know who did this,” says Inspector Ryan.
Enquiries will be ongoing today, including a scene examination.
“We will also have staff going door-to-door speaking to any potential witnesses, or anyone with relevant information,” said Hutt Valley Prevention Manager Inspector Haley Ryan.
Anyone with information about the incident can also speak to Police staff at the Wainuiomata Police Station, or contact Police on 105 and quote file number 220516/5953.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
