Whangārei burnout: Driver charged after doing skid in front of police

A driver's night went up in smoke when police impounded his car and charged him with operating a motor vehicle with sustained loss of traction. Photo / NZ Police

A driver spun straight into police hands when he allegedly performed a burnout in front of officers.

Police had been monitoring a car meet at Okara Shopping Centre at 10pm on May 2.

Sergeant Shawn Parker of the Whangārei Youth Crime Unit said officers were talking to a group of youths when one of the vehicles left the meet.

“A white Honda Accord exited the carpark and performed a burnout through multiple gears along the road,” he said.

“The driver appeared to be unaware police were nearby.”

The car returned to the gathering a short time later and was stopped by officers.

The driver was arrested and his vehicle was impounded.

Parker said the incident was a reminder that street activity can put people at risk.

In this case, young people were nearby, he said.

“Drivers who engage in this behaviour can expect enforcement action, including having their vehicle impounded and facing the courts.”

The 26-year-old man is due to appear in court on May 27, charged with operating a motor vehicle with sustained loss of traction.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.