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Home / Bay of Plenty Times

Ōpōtiki vehicle rampage: People run for their lives as car rams person, vehicles

By Nazahryth Bernard
Multimedia Journalist·NZ Herald·
27 Dec, 2024 10:37 PM2 mins to read

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A late-night rampage in Ōpōtiki left people running for their lives.

A late-night rampage in Ōpōtiki left people running for their lives.

A driver caused chaos during a late-night rampage in Ōpōtiki last night, ramming a number of vehicles and a person before fleeing the scene.

A manhunt is under way for the occupants of the vehicle and police are appealing for witnesses.

Video shows people fleeing for their lives as the dark-coloured vehicle collides with a number of stationary vehicles at the intersection of Church and Kelly Sts.

Police said the incident happened about 11.10pm.

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“A number of people were also seen engaged in a disorder at and outside the bar on the intersection. There were no significant injuries.”

A late-night rampage in Ōpōtiki left people running for their lives.
A late-night rampage in Ōpōtiki left people running for their lives.

Police located the vehicle driving on State Highway 35 a short time later and followed from a distance to Hikuwai Reserve, where the vehicle was abandoned and the occupants fled on foot. “Police attempted to track the occupants with the assistance of a police dog unit, however they had fled the scene. “Inquiries remain ongoing to identify and locate those involved.”

The video shows the vehicle ploughing into a parked red pickup truck near a pub, drawing screams from numerous bystanders.

People desperately run away as the vehicles drive past a neighbouring pub.

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“So much happening in one video,” read one Facebook comment.

  • Police have asked witnesses to the incident to contact police via 105 and reference file number: 241228/8341.

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