Police updates on crimes and investigations for 14 May 2022.
Man appears in court in relation to Linwood assault
A man arrested after an assault in Linwood has been remanded in custody.
The 31-year-old is charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, following an incident on Worcester Street late last night.
One person was hospitalised with serious injuries.
The accused is due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on June 1 via AVL.
A scene examination has been carried out today as part of the investigation, which is ongoing.
Anyone with information which may help is asked to please contact Police on 105 and quote file number 220512/3109.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Operation Grad: Police acknowledge sentencing
Police acknowledges today’s sentencing in the Auckland District Court of a woman in relation to threats directed at the University of Otago graduation ceremonies in December 2020.
The woman was sentenced to five months community detention on a representative charge of threats of harm to people or property.
She has continued name suppression which will lapse as of 4pm 20 May 2022.
As a result of these online threats, University of Otago graduation ceremonies and related events were cancelled, affecting thousands of people.
“These threats had a profound impact on both those directly involved and the wider Dunedin community,” Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham says.
“Graduands, whānau, University of Otago faculty members, and Dunedin businesses suffered both emotional and economic loss as a result.
“The message today’s sentencing outcome gives is clear – if you threaten to do harm to members of your community, or places they may be, Police will investigate, we will identify who you are, and we will hold you to account.”
The Police investigation, which involved staff from around the country, proved technically challenging.
“I want to recognise the outstanding work by Police staff which has led to today’s outcome,” Superintendent Basham says.
“Not only did we have officers working to identify who was responsible, many other Police staff were on the streets of Dunedin keeping both visitors here for graduation, and our local community safe.
“I also want to once again, and most importantly acknowledge the graduands and their families who missed out on attending an event which for many represented years of sacrifice and dedication.”
Police seeking dash-cam footage in relation to Matamata crash
Police investigating a crash in Matamata this morning are seeking dashcam footage from the public.
The single-car crash happened on Tauranga Road about 7:15am today, and resulted in two people with serious injuries.
Police are working to identify who was driving the car, and confirm reports to Police that the car – a silver four-door saloon – was being driven in a dangerous manner before the crash.
Police are looking for dash-cam footage from vehicles travelling between Matamata and Te Poi on Tauranga Road, between 7am and 7:20am today, Thursday 12 May.
If you can help, please get in touch with Police via 105 and quote file number 220512/4114.
Northland Police appeal for sightings of missing woman
Police are appealing for sightings of missing Northland woman Gaelene Bright (photo attached).
Gaelene, 69, was last seen in the early hours of 1 May leaving a friend’s house in Waimamaku.
Police were first notified that Gaelene was missing earlier this week and we have since established that her vehicle was in the Te Kuiti area on May 4th.
The vehicle is a white 2000 Holden Rodeo 4×4 with the registration number YW7634.
The vehicle is a double cab well side with a black tonneau cover has since been located by Police just south of Te Kuiti yesterday.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle (photo of vehicle attached) between May 1st and May 5th.
Police have serious concerns for Gaelene’s safety and are urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward and contact Police.
Anyone who has seen her vehicle or has any information on her whereabouts is asked to call Police on 105 quoting file number 220511/2799.
Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
UPDATE: 65 year old man charged with murder of Gaelene Bright
Whanganui Police investigating assault seeking information
Whanganui Police are appealing for information in relation to an assault in the Moana/Duncan Street area last night.
It happened around 5pm, and one person was badly injured and taken to hospital in a critical condition.
There was a scene guard in place overnight and CIB conducted a scene examination this morning.
Fire and Emergency NZ was required to assist Police in clearing the scene.
Anyone that has electronic recordings, CCTV or witnessed the incident is encouraged to speak with Police so we can piece together what happened.
If you live nearby, have a look around your property and if there are any discarded objects in the area, report to Police straight away.
It is important that if you know who is responsible for this attack that you come forward and tell Police what you know.
The victim remains in Wellington Hospital in a critical condition.
No one has been arrested in relation to the incident at this stage and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact Police on 105 and quote file number 220512/6199.
Alternatively, information can be given to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Fatal crash – Ohaupo Road
One person has died and another has moderate injuries following the crash on Ohaupo Road south of Hamilton.
The road will be closed for some time.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and the circumstances of the crash are under investigation.
Fatality confirmed following Longlands crash
Police can confirm one person died following the earlier single-car crash on Railway Road South in Longlands.
The crash was reported to Police just before 7.30am.
The road remains closed.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
