A police officer allegedly received multiple blows to the head as they tried to stop a fleeing driver in Waikato last night.
Waikato District Commander Bruce Bird said an 18-year-old was arrested and the officer was treated for injuries following the “serious incident” in Hamilton.
It began when police stopped a vehicle wanted over a fleeing driver incident on Norton Rd at 9.35pm.
One of the occupants went back to the car as police arranged for the vehicle to be towed.
The vehicle began moving as an officer opened the front passenger door to intervene.
Bird said initial inquiries indicated the officer “made the split-second decision to get in the vehicle, which then hit a stationary patrol car before fleeing the scene”.
“Still inside the offending car, the officer used tactical options, including a Taser, in an attempt to get the driver to stop, while allegedly receiving multiple blows to the head from the driver.”
The driver fled on foot after the car lost control and crashed on nearby Lincoln St.
Police tracked the suspect to an area of bush with the assistance of a dog unit and the Eagle helicopter while the injured officer was given first aid.
An individual was discovered hiding up a tree and taken into custody half an hour later.
Bird said the officer suffered moderate injuries to their face but has since been discharged from Waikato Hospital.
“It’s gravely concerning to see a police officer injured while carrying out their duties and incidents like this demonstrate the unpredictable and dangerous situations police face, often with little or no warning.”
The injured officer is being provided with support as they recover from their injuries and will have the next week off work, Bird added.
An 18-year-old Rotorua man is in custody and charges are being considered.