A police officer who had a firework blasted at his head amid boy racer mayhem in Levin this weekend has described the scenes as “chaotic”.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell both arrived in Horowhenua last night to check in with frontline officers.
“The behaviour that we’ve seen this weekend in Levin and Palmerston North is the behaviour that you’d expect from menaces and morons,” Chambers said.
Ten people were arrested, and Chambers suspects there will be more soon. Five bystanders were injured, including one young woman who had both of her legs run over.
Two police officers were also injured, one of whom was Sergeant Ryan Harrison.
He was hit in the head by a skyrocket firework, and then another firework landed at his feet and exploded.
“A large portion of the group were there just to either damage property, or hurt police, it’s as simple as that, but absolutely chaotic,” Harrison said.
Part of Harrison’s hair was singed, and he was temporarily deaf with ringing in his ears.
“He was targeted and hit with a skyrocket, so it glanced off the side of his head, but only had to be a few inches to the left, and it could’ve taken his eye out,” Mitchell said.
On Friday night, about 1000 people descended on Levin for a so-called “invasion”, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a similar event from last year.
Around 100 police staff were deployed to the area, armed with riot shields, dog squads, and the Eagle helicopter sent down from Auckland.
Anti-social road users started in Levin, then travelled to rural roads, and Palmerston North. Those who took part in the illegal activity ranged in age from teenagers to adults in their 50s.
“These idiots were intentionally targeting police officers and firing skyrockets at them, including bottles, rocks, and there was a couple of idiots who had tomahawks,” the Police Minister said. “This is what our police officers are facing, but they’re staring them down.”
Sergeant Ryan Harrison was hit in the head by a skyrocket, before a firework landed at his feet and exploded. (Source: 1News)
A Palmerston North intersection was also set on fire after diesel was poured on it. And, when police tried to help injured bystanders, some of their tyres got slashed.
Inspector Ash Gurney said it was disturbing to see people filming injured bystanders.
The Government announced tougher penalties for boy racers and fleeing drivers, set to be introduced in mid-2025.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that he’s spoken to Transport Minister Chris Bishop to look at the options of bringing in the new legislation faster.