Police updates on crimes and investigatons for 4 November 2022.
Name release – Lake Rotomā crash
Police can now name the person who died in a single-vehicle crash at Lake Rotomā on 25 October.
He was 77-year-old Antony Byrne Ansell of Lake Rotomā, Rotorua District.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Update on hit and run crash in Otatara
Invercargill Police have now completed their investigation into a hit and run crash on Marama Avenue, South Otatara on 25 September 2022 that resulted in a 19-year-old man receiving serious injuries.
A 22-year-old local man has now been summonsed to appear in the Invercargill District Court on 17 November 2022 to face charges of careless driving causing injury and failing to stop and ascertain injury.
The victim is continuing to recover from his injuries.
Police would like to thank the media and members of the public who came forward with information that assisted the investigation.
Police would also like to thank and acknowledge the victim’s parents and family at this very difficult time.
Drugs, firearms arrests in Ashburton
Mid-Canterbury Police have arrested three people yesterday at a rural Ashburton address.
They face several charges relating to drugs and firearms.
Senior Sergeant Leigh Jenkins, Sub-Area Commander for Ashburton, says the arrests were the result of a pre-planned search warrant by members of the Armed Offenders Squad, executed in relation to a burglary.
Police recovered a .22 rifle and ammunition during the search.
Two of those arrested, a man and a woman – will appear in the Ashburton District Court on 10 November.
Another person staying at the address has been summonsed to appear at a later date.
Today’s operation involved police from Ashburton, Timaru and Christchurch.
“Residents in the district can be assured that we will act on the information they give us about offending and illegal activity.
Our staff do an awful lot of work in order to identify, monitor, and prosecute those who create harm in our communities.
“Criminals can expect to see us, and we will call on the resources of our district colleagues in Christchurch and Timaru to hold these people to account.
”To the members of the public who reported suspicious activity when they saw it, Senior Sergeant Jenkins had a simple message: Thank you.
“We rely on the public to help stamp out this offending in our community.
When someone supplies information, it helps Police to form a picture of what’s happening in our communities.
“You may feel the information you have is not significant, however, it could be the missing piece of the puzzle Police need to put offenders before the court.
”Information can be passed to Police via 105 by phone on online, or alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
Pegasus Bay fire
Police investigating following the fire last night at Pegasus Bay have spoken to two young people in relation to the incident.
One of them has now been referred to Youth Aid.
Police are pleased to have been able to quickly identify those allegedly involved and we hope this brings some reassurance to the community.
It has been established the fire caught following a firework being let off.
Police encourage anyone intending to light fireworks this season to ensure you do so safely.
This includes not lighting them in windy or dry conditions, or around anything that might catch fire, such as dry grass or leaves.
Police would like to thank those evacuated last night for their compliance and patience.
Update – serious crash, Pound Road, Christchurch
Police can confirm one person has died following the serious crash on Pound Road on Tuesday 1 November.
They were transported to hospital however they have now sadly died.
Our condolences are with their family at this time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Update on Matipo Street sudden death
Police enquiries into the death of 19-year-old Sam Finnemore are continuing.
A scene examination at an address in Matipo Street is now complete.
Police are continuing to treat the death as unexplained.
Early indications are that Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to Sam’s death.
The matter will be referred to the Coroner.
‘Police would like to once again express our condolences to Sam’s family at this difficult time’, said Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells.
