A senior Mongrel Mob member is among five people arrested after a “public brawl” allegedly resulted in two people being stabbed and two others struck by a vehicle in Wairoa over the weekend.
An “altercation between teenagers” on Saturday escalated into a “large-scale fight” after adults – including members and their associates – got involved around 3pm, Acting Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Darren Paki said this evening.
“At least two people were moderately injured after receiving stab wounds and two people were struck by a vehicle.”
A 32-year-old Wairoa man was arrested by police carrying out a search warrant for breaching bail yesterday evening.
He appeared in the Hastings District Court today and was remanded in custody to reappear on August 27.
Four people – including a teenager – were arrested after police carried out a further four warrants today.
A 17-year-old Wairoa youth has since been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Two Wairoa men, aged 25 and 33, have been charged with disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence, and unlawful assembly to disturb the peace.
The trio would appear in the Wairoa District Court on August 2.
In addition, a 21-year-old Wairoa man was due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on August 1 charged with breaching bail, disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence, and unlawful assembly to disturb the peace.
Paki said all of those arrested “are gang members, and one is in a leadership position within Wairoa’s Mongrel Mob”.
“These are still early days, but the investigation is moving at pace.
“At the heart of our efforts is making sure the community feels safe and supported, and we are taking a number of actions to achieve this, including working closely with community leaders and our partners, such as the Wairoa District Council.”
Paki said there would be a visible police presence on the roads and footpaths around Wairoa, and officers have been speaking with concerned members of the public.
“The overwhelming sentiment from people has been a feeling of disappointment at what occurred,” he said. “We share that feeling and will continue to pursue those involved.”