Police borrowed a member of the public's dinghy so they could make their way to where the woman had allegedly jumped into the Hātea River. Photo / Brodie Stone
Police borrowed a member of the public's dinghy so they could make their way to where the woman had allegedly jumped into the Hātea River. Photo / Brodie Stone
A woman allegedly tried to flee police by jumping into the Hātea River at the Whangārei Town Basin yesterday.
It is the second time this week that a person is said to have tried to evade police by jumping into the river.
Whangārei-Kaipara area commander Inspector Maria Nordstromsaid an off-duty officer saw the woman, who was wanted for arrest, at the Whangārei Aquatic Centre about 3.45pm.
On-duty officers responded to arrest her.
“It was at this point the woman fled and jumped into the Hātea River in an attempt to avoid being taken into custody,” Nordstrom said.
She told officers she “quickly regretted” her decision once she realised how cold the water was, Nordstrom said.
The woman being led off in handcuffs after police located her. Photo / Brodie Stone
“This incident demonstrated good co-ordination and communication between all police involved, including their go-with-the-flow attitudes, and amazing co-operation from members of the public.”
A 44-year-old woman will appear in the Whangārei District Court today, charged with breaching release conditions.
On Wednesday, an allegedly intoxicated man tried to flee officers by jumping into the Hātea River.
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.
