A man was seriously injured after being struck by a car doing burnouts during a street gathering in Hamilton over the weekend, with one arrest made as police launch a “significant investigation”.
Police were called to Airport Rd at 11pm on Saturday where around 300 cars were said to be congregating with around 20 cars performing skids on the road.
Waikato Road Policing Manager Inspector Jeff Penno said the group dispersed when police arrived.
However, multiple reports were received of other large groups of anti-social road users at other locations in and around the city, he added.
“In one of these instances, a man was struck by a car doing burnouts on Horotiu Bridge Rd at around 12.45am.”
Penno said the driver of the vehicle allegedly fled the scene immediately without stopping to provide assistance.
“The man was transported to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.”
Police had sourced and reviewed relevant CCTV and online footage and would continue to identify and locate offenders, Penno said.
“A significant investigation is underway into the incidents that unfolded and police expect to impound more vehicles, and lay further charges to individuals identified committing offences at the time.”
A 20-year-old man had been remanded on bail and was expected to reappear in Hamilton District Court on May 30 charged with operating a vehicle in a manner to cause sustained loss of traction causing injury, and failing to stop to ascertain injury.
The vehicle used had been impounded for 28 days and was issued a non-operation order which forced it off the road.
