A man has been arrested in Taupō this morning after allegedly “interfering” with several boats, swimming away from police across the Waikato River, returning, and then climbing a tree before being rescued by a fire crew.
Police said a boat owner at the Taupō marina reported his vessel being untied at around 9am.
“It appears several boats were interfered with and, as police made enquiries, they were alerted to a potential suspect being located by Coastguard Lake Taupō volunteers,” a spokesperson said.
The man, who police said was “uninterested” in speaking with officers, then dove into the Waikato River, crossing to the Nukuhau side before swimming back to the Taupō side.
“After emerging from the water, the individual climbed a tree, then informed the officers below that he was stuck.
“Fire and Emergency NZ and an ambulance were called as a precaution, with firefighters assisting with the man’s extraction from the thin branch on which he had perched.”
Fire and Emergency confirmed that one fire truck had been sent to assist police.
He was then taken into custody and was being spoken to about the events.
Police appealed to boaties in the area to report any instances where their vessels have been interfered with.
Anyone with relevant information should also contact police on 105.