Rotorua police arrest 19-year-old who allegedly injured two people with car during burnouts

A 19-year-old man has been charged after allegedly injuring two people with his out-of-control car.

The charges come after two bystanders were injured when a car lost control on State Highway 5, near Maraeroa Rd, Mamaku, on November 11.

Police said reports were made about 10.30pm, suggesting a group of people were conducting burnouts and skids.

An hour later, a vehicle lost control and hit two bystanders, causing “life-changing injuries” that will require months of recovery.

Rotorua road policing manager Senior Sergeant John Stapleford said police know people attend these activities with the perception they are harmless.

“But that is far from reality,” he said.

“You’ve got people throwing vehicles around like they’re toys. These are vehicles that weigh over a tonne, being driven in an out-of-control manner – the potential for harm is huge.”

Stapleford said the charges put forward to the courts show police’s commitment to ensuring serious actions face serious consequences.

Police continue to investigate the matter and are not ruling out further charges against other people involved.

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