A child was a passenger in a vehicle when a driver allegedly rammed three police cars, injuring five officers, in Lower Hutt yesterday afternoon.
A 49-year-old man was taken into custody following the incident.
Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell said officers were called to Trinity Ave, Epuni after receiving a report of suspicious behaviour shortly before 5.30pm.
“A responding police unit observed a vehicle of interest leaving the area and signalled for it to stop.
“It did not stop and instead, drove into the police vehicle and then into two other police vehicles that arrived to assist.”
Parnell said a member of the public’s vehicle was also hit by the man’s vehicle, and that person was uninjured.
“The man exited his vehicle in an attempt to flee the scene on foot, and was taken into custody just after 5.45pm.”
Parnell said three police vehicles sustained “significant damage” and five police staff were assessed with minor injuries.
“I am incredibly proud of the work from our staff in this quick-moving event where a vehicle was used as a weapon against police, creating a massive risk to the safety of everybody involved.”
He said “behaviour such as this where police staff and vehicles are targeted is unacceptable”.
Police also confirmed to 1News that a child known to the driver was in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
A 49-year-old man was due to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court today, facing three charges of aggravated assault, a charge of indecent assault and failed to stop for police.
Further charges have not been ruled out.
