Northland news briefs

Woman allegedly hit

An argument that escalated to a physical altercation led to a Whangarei man's arrest. Acting Sergeant Jeremy Weston said a couple were at an Otangarei house when the man allegedly grabbed the 25-year-old woman's clothing before pushing her down the hallway about 8.45am on Wednesday. The man allegedly hit her head with his elbow. Another male separated the couple. A 26-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a female.

Meat leads to court

A man allegedly thought he could steal $175 worth of meat from a Whangarei supermarket only to be proven wrong. Police said they collected him after staff followed him. Acting Sergeant Jeremy Weston said the suspect was followed from the supermarket at the Okara shopping complex and arrested in the central city. A man, 32, has been charged with shoplifting and will appear in the Whangarei District Court.

Officers' timing right

Police were right on the spot when a man allegedly smashed his way into a parked car early yesterday. And after he ran off, a police dog and handler tracked him right back to a waiting patrol car, police said. Officers patrolling in Otangarei drove past just as the car was smashed into, Acting Sergeant Jeremy Weston said. The alleged offender ran off through a park but was followed by a police dog. The original officers caught up with the man and waited until the dog tracked right up to him. A 21-year-old man was charged with wilful damage and unlawfully interfering with a vehicle. He was granted bail and will appear in court next week.

Book-fan bonanza

The Waipapa Rotary Club's annual book fair starts at the Bay Sports Pavilion on Harmony Lane, Waipapa, at 4pm today. The fair runs until 8pm, then from 8am to 3pm tomorrow. Money raised will go to Bay of Islands community projects.

Load on police minds

Police are seeking a truckie who lost part of a load of scoria at the Kerikeri Rd/SH10 roundabout and kept on going. The incident occurred about 9.30am on Wednesday, blocking one lane. Police warned motorists of the hazard until contractors cleared the mess away.