Tauranga incident: Man arrested after rocks allegedly thrown at family

The carpark in Dive Cre where members of the public hid behind cars during the alleged incident. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Police were called to an incident on Dive Cr in Tauranga on Saturday following reports of disorder.

Officers were called about 3.15pm after reports of a man allegedly throwing rocks and verbally abusing a family.

According to police, members of the public stepped in to restrain the man until officers arrived.

Police said several large rocks were used to smash a family’s car windows, with other nearby vehicles also damaged.

Hato Hone St John said it received notification of the incident at 3.21pm and responded with one ambulance. Paramedics assessed and treated one patient with minor injuries.

Police expressed gratitude for the actions of the bystanders who stepped in during the incident.

“Police thank the members of the public who intervened,” the spokesperson said.

A 19-year-old man is due to appear in Tauranga District Court today facing multiple charges including breach of bail, three counts of assault with a weapon, assaulting a child, and three counts of wilful damage.