“The stolen car, a people-mover, driven by a 14-year-old youth, then went on down Gladstone Road and turned into Chalmers Road, where it came to a stop against the footpath by the corner dairy.”
The woman escaped injury in the crash.
“She was shaken up by what happened but fortunately was not hurt,” Det Sgt Ford said.
“There were five youths, aged 13 and 14, in the vehicle and they all ran off.
“Police gave chase and three were arrested.
“During the arrests it is alleged one of the youths grabbed a spade and struck a police officer on the back of the head with it.”
The officer was taken to Gisborne Hospital by St John Ambulance and received treatment for a head laceration.
“He was discharged from hospital and is at home recovering,” Det Sgt Ford said.
“Two of the youths appeared in the Youth Court today.
“One is charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and the other with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle. Further charges are likely.”
Det Sgt Ford said the driver of the stolen car, which was taken from a city property earlier in the day, was one of those arrested.
“We are still seeking two other young teenagers, both males, in relation to this matter.
“The age of the alleged offenders shows the importance of strong and proper connections between whanau and at-risk youth.
“It shows the need for families to take active steps to engage with at-risk youth to break the cycle of offending.”
