Man charged with fleeing and assaulting police in Hamilton, patrol car involved in crash

A police officer has been injured after a crash in Hamilton.

Hamilton City area commander Inspector Andrea McBeth said police activated their lights and sirens about 10.50am this morning after a vehicle of interest was spotted driving in Nawton.

When the driver continued, police followed the vehicle along Vernall St.

“The driver turned into a driveway, exited, and attempted to flee the scene on foot but was swiftly arrested around 11am,” McBeth said.

However during the arrest, occupants of the property “became aggressive” towards attending officers, who then made a call for assistance.

McBeth said an additional police vehicle responded to the call with “urgent duty driving” before it collided with a member of the public’s vehicle on Kahikatea Dr.

“There were no injuries to the member of the public and one officer received a minor injury to their wrist but did not require medical attention.

“The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination with inquiries ongoing into the incident and crash,” McBeth said.

A 21-year-old man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court in the coming days on charges of assaulting police, driving without a licence, and failing to stop for police.