Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, January 23, 2023
Hamilton witnessed another example of Police efficiency and youth crime with a pursuit in Hamilton late at night on Saturday, 21 January 2023 that involved a stolen car, four youths and a threat to the public due to their reckless actions.
How the event unfolded
Police were patrolling the Hamilton East area just before 1 am when they saw a stolen Nissan Tiida. They recognised the 17-year-old behind the wheel as a person wanted over a ‘serious incident’.
The driver became aware of Police’s presence on Grey Street and accelerated south, turning onto Cobham Drive.
Senior Sergeant Terri Wilson said, “A pursuit was authorised due to the potential threat to the public. The vehicle drove through several suburbs at speed, though, thankfully, very few motorists were on the roads. Police spiked one of the Tiida’s tyres on Greenwood Street, Frankton, and two more of its tyres were spiked on Avalon Drive, in Nawton.”
The manner of driving became more concerning and in the process, multiple vehicles were forced to pull to the side of the road as the car travelled south, on its rims, in the northbound lane of Victoria Street.
The car was even observed driving on the footpath on Alexandra Street, and that is when a tactical stop was authorised. Officers carried out the stop in Anglesea Street, and the driver lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle.
Police action admirable
Police arrested four youths at the scene after heroic efforts and thankfully, nobody was injured.
The driver was a 17-year-old with three passengers, two aged 17 and a 14-year-old. All four are due to appear in the Hamilton Youth Court on serious driving charges and charges relating to the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Further charges are likely.
Senior Sergeant Terri Wilson said, “Events like this are extremely concerning and the outcome could have been much worse, if not for the actions of our officers. They put themselves in harm’s way to keep the community safe.”
Police action and prompt response are being applauded by many as this has been the fourth major incident unfolding in Hamilton in the last fortnight that involved youth offenders.
Several people were seen recording the pursuit and the Police have asked anyone with photos or video of the pursuit and subsequent arrests to contact them, as that information could be vital to the investigation.
By Mentioning reference 221112/6852, any information on the matter can be submitted by clicking here.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink correspondent based in Hamilton.
