Police updates for investigations and cases 12 May 2022.
Fatal incident, Owaka, Clutha
Police are now in a position to confirm the name of the man that died on Owaka Valley Road, Clutha on Saturday night.
He was 33-year-old Rikki McCall of Owaka, Clutha District.
Police would still like to speak to anyone who was in the Owaka Valley Road area between 8pm on Saturday 7 May and 4am on Sunday 8 May.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Police on 105 and quote file number 220508/8217.
Masterton Castlepoint Road death
Masterton Police continuing to investigate the death of Lawziah Karaitiana in the early hours of Saturday 7 May are appealing directly to the driver involved to come forward.
Lawziah was found on Castlepoint Road near McLaughlin Drive around 4:30am.
Police urge anyone travelling in the area aound that time that can help Police identify the driver of the vehicle police believe struck Lawziah, to share that information with them.
Police also keen to speak to everyone who drove past McLaughlin Drive between 1:30 and 4:30am last Saturday, to eliminate them from enquiries.
“I firmly believe that the person who was driving this vehicle knew they had struck someone at the time of the incident,” says Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth.
“To that person – I ask you to dig deep, unburden yourself by coming forward and speaking with Police.”
If you live in the Tīnui and Castlepoint areas, and have noticed recent damage to a vehicle or suspicious activity, we encourage you to report it to Police.
“You may have a small piece of the puzzle which ends up being the critical information we need to identify the vehicle involved, or the person who was driving at the time.”
Police would appreciate the opportunity to give Lawziah’s family some answers about his death.
If you have information that relates, contact Masterton Police on 105 and quote 220507/6865.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Arrests made as part of investigation into Ormiston burglary
Police have made multiple arrests and executed a series of warrants as part of an investigation into a burglary at a shopping centre in Ormiston last month.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright, of Counties Manukau CIB, says Police executed six search warrants following the early morning incident on 26 April.
“Today we have executed five warrants in Counties Manukau and one in Northland, which has resulted in the apprehension of three young people,” says Detective Inspector Bright.
“We have charged two 15-year-olds with burglary and unlawfully takes, with a third young person being referred to Youth Aid.”
The two people charged will each appear in the Manukau and Whangārei Youth Courts.
“Additionally, investigators have summonsed a 22-year-old man to the Manukau District Court as part of our enquiries,” says Detective Inspector Bright.
“He is due to appear on 19 May on a charge of receiving stolen property.”
Detective Inspector Bright says Police enquiries will continue and further enforcement action cannot be ruled out.
“I would like to acknowledge the ongoing hard work of our investigation staff into these incidents.”
Police are limited in further comment as matters are now before the Court.
Fatal crash – George Bolt Memorial Drive, Auckland Airport
A motorcyclist has died following a crash near Auckland Airport this morning.
The crash occurred before 6am at the intersection of George Bolt Memorial Drive and Ihumātao Road.
Police remain at the scene of the crash, which involved a motorbike and a vehicle.
The motorcyclist was transported to hospital but has sadly since died. Two occupants of the vehicle have also sustained injures and at this stage are currently being assessed as being in a moderate condition.
The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and will examine the scene, with a Police investigation to begin into the circumstances of the crash.
Diversions are currently in place at the scene and are expected to be in place for some time.
The road is currently closed between George Bolt Memorial and Tom Pearce Drives and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Police are advising entering and exiting the Airport area using State Highway 20B/Puhinui Road instead.
Name release, Tāngarākau homicide investigation
Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased in Tāngarākau on Saturday 7 May.
He was 57-year-old Adrian Roger Humphreys, of Rotorua.
Police extend their condolences to his family and friends.
The homicide enquiry is ongoing.
