Waikato police officer struck with car: Man appears in court

A 47-year-old Huntly man appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday. Photo / Maryana Garcia

A 47-year-old Huntly man arrested after a police officer was struck with a vehicle on Wednesday night has been remanded on bail until his next court appearance.

A police spokesperson said the man appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday on a charge of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The charge has a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

According to charging documents obtained by the Herald, police have accused the man of “striking” a police officer with a motor vehicle “with intent to cause grievous bodily harm” on February 5 at Huntly.

The man is next due to appear in the Huntly District Court on March 13.

The incident happened at 8pm on Wednesday while the officer was conducting inquiries at a Huntly address on an unrelated matter.

A police spokesperson said the officer had stepped out of his patrol car when he was struck.

A man was later arrested.

The spokesperson said the injured officer was expected to make a full recovery and was being supported through the process.

“The officer was transported to Waikato Hospital, assessed and treated for a moderate injury and discharged.”

Police Association president Chris Cahill said the incident highlighted the risk police officers faced when on duty.

Incidents of this nature were not common, he said.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.