Man allegedly drives car into girls

A man who had trouble starting his car last night was arrested after allegedly running down two girls who had laughed at him.
The 21-year-old has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of methamphetamine and failing to remain and ascertain injury.
Acting Senior Sergeant Wayne Lambert said the man was in the residential area of Ohauiti Rd attempting to start his car about 6pm.
Mr Lambert said there were some people across the road from the car who began to make jokes, understood to have been targeted at the man.
The man then managed to start the car and allegedly drove into two girls before leaving the scene.
It is understood the girls were not seriously injured.
Mr Lambert said there were witnesses to the incident, including two off-duty police officers who followed the man to Maungatapu BP petrol station.
The man was held there by the officers until he could be arrested and charged.
He is expected to appear in Tauranga District Court today.