One police car was set upon trying to get through the event to warn drivers approaching from the north. Photo / Paul Taylor
One police car was set upon trying to get through the event to warn drivers approaching from the north. Photo / Paul Taylor
A gathering of more than 100 boy racers that descended into chaos north of Napier will likely end in charges for several more of the drivers, police say.
A spectator was injured, a police car was set upon and a state highway was left scrawled with tyre marks during thenight event near Tangoio.
Hawke's Bay Road Policing Acting Sergeant Matt Burt said police had been "significantly outnumbered" by the approximately 100-car gathering on a section of State Highway 2 on October 16, and had been forced to block the road off and put in diversions while it took place.
So far four vehicles have been seized and four drivers arrested.
"Two vehicles were seized on the night and follow-up inquiries identified two further vehicles which have also been seized," he said.
"The drivers identified will be appearing in court on several driving-related charges."
Police seized four vehicles following a boy racer event in Tangoio earlier this month. Photo / Supplied
Inquiries to identify other vehicles and people involved were ongoing, with further charges likely, Burt said.
"The drivers of these vehicles have taken part in anti-social and dangerous behaviour, which can effect themselves, their passengers and other road users.
"One spectator sustained moderate injuries when they were hit by one of the vehicles involved."
He said the fact they had to put diversions in place while the event was occurring inconvenienced motorists who had to take rural back roads to avoid the road.
"One police patrol vehicle was damaged when it was set upon by several of the group after being caught up in the event attempting to get through to warn motorists approaching from the north. Thankfully no police staff were injured."
Police urge anyone witnessing dangerous driving to report it. This car was impounded by police. Photo / Supplied
He said the "substantial mess" resulting from their behaviour required local roading crews to be called out to clear the road of rubber and wire from shredded tyres.
"Significant damage was done to the state highway which will require ongoing work to be repaired."
Police thanked members of the public who sent in videos of the offending which allowed police to follow up with those involved.
The damage to the state highway after the event. Photo / Paul Taylor
"We want to reassure the community that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and comes with consequences. We encourage people who witness dangerous driving to call 111.''
The group was not in breach of any Covid alert level restrictions, he said.
