A man has been charged after allegedly injuring an officer with blows to the face in a chaotic incident while attempting to flee police in Waikato over the weekend.
The officer was attempting to stop a vehicle of interest from driving away on Norton Rd in Hamilton on Saturday night, Superintendent Bruce Bird said.
“To avoid being hit or pinned by the car, the officer made a split-second decision to get in the vehicle before it left the scene,” he said.
The officer tried to stop the car by pulling on the handbrake, using OC spray, and deploying a Taser. During the altercation, the officer was “allegedly assaulted by the driver and suffered facial injuries”.
The car drove for 1.6km before crashing on Lincoln St.
A man was arrested after being found, allegedly hiding in a tree.
A man from Rotorua was due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today, charged with injuring with intent to injure, dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without a licence, and driving with excess breath alcohol.
“The officer is recovering at home and is grateful for the support and messages they have received from colleagues and concerned members of the community,” Bird said.
“Police would also like to thank the members of the public who came to his aid.”