Latest news with #LevinDistrictCourt
1News
02-07-2025
- 1News
Twelve further arrests after chaotic Levin boy racer invasion
Twelve further arrests have been made following a boy racer event in Levin on King's Birthday Weekend that injured police officers, members of the public and damaged police vehicles. It brings the total number of arrests to 22 from the May 30 event, where an estimated crowd of 1000 gathered in the town — performing skids, burnouts, and other driving offences while spectators threw fireworks. Footage filmed by officers on the ground and by the police helicopter, witness statements, information provided by the public, as well as CCTV and social media footage led to some of the arrests. Inspector Ross Grantham said the level of violence and reckless behaviour shown at the gathering was "dangerous and stupid". Multiple police vehicles were damaged and two police officers received minor injuries from fireworks. ADVERTISEMENT Five members of the public were also injured, including a woman knocked unconscious and left on the ground while people filmed her. Police had to deploy tactical options when the crowd refused to move for an ambulance. One woman had both legs run over, while a young man badly was injured in both legs when he was hit by a skidding vehicle. Ten people were arrested on the night for disorderly behaviour and driving-related charges. Sergeant Ryan Harrison was hit in the head by a skyrocket, before a firework landed at his feet and exploded. (Source: 1News) Further arrests, charges expected "It is sheer luck that there were not more serious injuries, or even death, that night," Grantham said. "These 22 total arrests are an amazing result for our community and we expect there will be further arrests and charges in the future." ADVERTISEMENT Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said those participating in this "despicable behaviour" should expect to hear police knocking on their door. "The kind of behaviour we saw that night is completely unacceptable, and it puts participants, bystanders, and my colleagues in danger. "Thankfully two officers only received minor injuries, however the situation could have been a lot worse." Seven men aged between 18-29, and two women aged 18 and 51 were due to appear in Levin District Court on July 2, 9, and 16. Three youths were also due to appear in Levin Youth Court at a later date. Charges included possession of an offensive weapon, arson, failing to stop to ascertain injury, failing to stop for police, sustained loss of traction, driving in a dangerous manner, driving while disqualified, unlawful assembly, unlawfully in an enclosed yard, and excess breath alcohol level.
Otago Daily Times
02-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
More arrests over violent 'Levin invasion' boyracer meet
Twelve people have been arrested and charged in the wake of a King's Birthday weekend anti-social road user gathering in Levin. Police officers and members of the public were injured, fireworks were lit, and police vehicles were damaged during the May 30 gathering. A crowd of 1000 people watched or participated in skids, burnouts, and other driving offences. Police said they had worked tirelessly to gather evidence from the night - reviewing footage filmed by officers on the ground and from the Police Eagle helicopter, taking witness statements, and going over information provided by the public, CCTV footage, and videos posted on social media. Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander, said the level of violence and reckless behaviour shown at the gathering was dangerous and stupid. "The crowd became aggressive and riotous, with fireworks, physical aggression, and a vehicle all being used against officers," he said. "Multiple police vehicles were damaged, and two police officers received minor injuries from the fireworks." Five members of the public were also injured, including a woman who was knocked unconscious and left on the ground while people filmed her. The crowd refused to move for an ambulance, and police had to deploy tactical options in order for emergency services to reach her. As the event unfolded, 10 people were arrested for disorderly behaviour and driving-related charges, and are currently before the courts. "It is sheer luck that there were not more serious injuries, or even death, that night," Grantham said. Police have now arrested and charged 12 people, in addition to the 10 people arrested on the night. "These 22 total arrests are an amazing result for our community and we expect there will be further arrests and charges in the future," Grantham said. The range of charges included possession of offensive weapon, arson, failing to stop to ascertain injury, failing to stop for police, sustained loss of traction, driving in a dangerous manner, driving while disqualified, unlawful assembly, unlawfully in an enclosed yard, and excess breath alcohol level. Seven men aged 18-29, and two women aged 18 and 51 are due to appear in Levin District Court on Wednesday 2, Wednesday 9, and Wednesday 16 July. Three youths are due to appear in Levin Youth Court at a later date. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said anyone participating in this type of despicable behaviour should expect to hear police knocking on their front doors. "The kind of behaviour we saw that night is completely unacceptable, and it puts participants, bystanders, and my colleagues in danger," he said. "Thankfully two officers only received minor injuries, however the situation could have been a lot worse."
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Scoop
Further Arrests After Operation Purple Anti-Social Road User Event
Press Release – New Zealand Police Since the 30 May event where a crowd of 1000 people gathered and participated in skids, burnouts, and other driving offences, Police have worked tirelessly to gather evidence from the night. Twelve people have been arrested and charged in the wake of the King's Birthday weekend anti-social road user gathering in Levin that saw police officers and members of the public injured, fireworks lit, and police vehicles damaged. Since the 30 May event where a crowd of 1000 people gathered and participated in skids, burnouts, and other driving offences, Police have worked tirelessly to gather evidence from the night. This includes reviewing the footage filmed by officers on the ground and the Police Eagle helicopter at the time, taking witness statements, and going over information provided by the public, alongside sourcing and reviewing relevant CCTV and any footage posted online on social media. Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander, says the level of violence and reckless behaviour shown at the gathering was dangerous and stupid. 'While Police were in attendance, the crowd became aggressive and riotous, with fireworks, physical aggression, and a vehicle all being used against officers. Multiple police vehicles were damaged, and two police officers received minor injuries from the fireworks.' Five members of the public were also injured, including a woman who was knocked unconscious and left on the ground while people filmed her. The crowd refused to move for an ambulance, with Police having to deploy tactical options in order for emergency services to reach her. As the event unfolded, 10 people were arrested for disorderly behaviour and driving-related charges. They are before the courts. 'It is sheer luck that there were not more serious injuries, or even death, that night,' Inspector Grantham says. As a result of the last month's work, Police have arrested and charged 12 people, in addition to the 10 people arrested on the night. 'These 22 total arrests are an amazing result for our community and we expect there will be further arrests and charges in the future,' Inspector Grantham says. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says those participating in this type of despicable behaviour should expect to hear Police knocking on their front door. 'The kind of behaviour we saw that night is completely unacceptable, and it puts participants, bystanders, and my colleagues in danger. 'Thankfully two officers only received minor injuries, however the situation could have been a lot worse.' The range of charges include possession of offensive weapon, arson, failing to stop to ascertain injury, failing to stop for Police, sustained loss of traction, driving in a dangerous manner, driving while disqualified, unlawful assembly, unlawfully in an enclosed yard, and excess breath alcohol level. Seven men aged 18–29, and two women aged 18 and 51 are due to appear in Levin District Court on Wednesday 2, Wednesday 9, and Wednesday 16 July. Three youth are due to appear in Levin Youth Court at a later date.
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Scoop
Further Arrests After Operation Purple Anti-Social Road User Event
Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 1:34 pm Press Release: New Zealand Police Twelve people have been arrested and charged in the wake of the King's Birthday weekend anti-social road user gathering in Levin that saw police officers and members of the public injured, fireworks lit, and police vehicles damaged. (Photo/Supplied) Since the 30 May event where a crowd of 1000 people gathered and participated in skids, burnouts, and other driving offences, Police have worked tirelessly to gather evidence from the night. This includes reviewing the footage filmed by officers on the ground and the Police Eagle helicopter at the time, taking witness statements, and going over information provided by the public, alongside sourcing and reviewing relevant CCTV and any footage posted online on social media. Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander, says the level of violence and reckless behaviour shown at the gathering was dangerous and stupid. 'While Police were in attendance, the crowd became aggressive and riotous, with fireworks, physical aggression, and a vehicle all being used against officers. Multiple police vehicles were damaged, and two police officers received minor injuries from the fireworks.' Five members of the public were also injured, including a woman who was knocked unconscious and left on the ground while people filmed her. The crowd refused to move for an ambulance, with Police having to deploy tactical options in order for emergency services to reach her. As the event unfolded, 10 people were arrested for disorderly behaviour and driving-related charges. They are before the courts. 'It is sheer luck that there were not more serious injuries, or even death, that night,' Inspector Grantham says. As a result of the last month's work, Police have arrested and charged 12 people, in addition to the 10 people arrested on the night. 'These 22 total arrests are an amazing result for our community and we expect there will be further arrests and charges in the future,' Inspector Grantham says. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says those participating in this type of despicable behaviour should expect to hear Police knocking on their front door. 'The kind of behaviour we saw that night is completely unacceptable, and it puts participants, bystanders, and my colleagues in danger. 'Thankfully two officers only received minor injuries, however the situation could have been a lot worse.' The range of charges include possession of offensive weapon, arson, failing to stop to ascertain injury, failing to stop for Police, sustained loss of traction, driving in a dangerous manner, driving while disqualified, unlawful assembly, unlawfully in an enclosed yard, and excess breath alcohol level. Seven men aged 18–29, and two women aged 18 and 51 are due to appear in Levin District Court on Wednesday 2, Wednesday 9, and Wednesday 16 July. Three youth are due to appear in Levin Youth Court at a later date. © Scoop Media
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Scoop
Operation Purple - Anti-Social Road User Gathering In Levin
Inspector Ash Gurney, Manawatū Area Prevention Manager: Ten people were arrested during a large anti-social road user event in the Levin and Palmerston North areas overnight, which saw five members of the public and two Police officers injured. Police were out on the streets overnight with plans in place to keep the gathering in check, including air support from the Police Eagle helicopter, however faced physical attacks on the ground from those present. A crowd of around 1000 people gathered in Levin late last night, many performing burnouts and other driving offences. Fireworks, physical aggression, and a vehicle were all used against Police who were attempting to break up the gathering. Two Police officers received minor injuries from the fireworks that did not require hospitalisation. Five people were arrested at this location and will face Levin District Court in coming days, on disorderly behaviour and driving charges. The large group then moved to the State Highway 57/Tavistock Road intersection, where Police were again confronted with more unruly behaviour, including a number of burnouts. A pedestrian bystander was hit by a car doing a burnout. People and vehicles blocking the roads delayed an ambulance getting to this person, forcing Police to employ tactical options - including deploying sponge rounds to disperse the crowd- to allow it through. During this period, several Police vehicle were damaged and had tyres slashed. Police moved this crowd on, which then moved to the intersection of State Highway 56 and Tiakitahuna Road. Further burnouts and unsafe driving took place, and four bystanders – aged 16-20 years old - were hit by cars. One female had both of her legs run over. The group were taken to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment for their injuries. The Police Eagle helicopter assisted staff on the ground in tracking one of the drivers who hit the bystanders. The 18-year-old man was taken into custody after a lengthy foot pursuit by officers, and he is due in Levin District Court on Tuesday on a range of serious charges. Diesel was poured on an intersection in Palmerston North city where the group set up again around 2am – numbers were estimated at around 200 by this stage. The crowd dispersed shortly after the diesel was set alight. Several other instances of single vehicles seen doing skids and burnouts in the Levin area were identified by officers over the next hour or so, with the Police Eagle helicopter proving invaluable in giving officers on the ground relevant information. 'The escalation in the level of violence committed against officers at these events is incredibly reckless and will not be tolerated,' Inspector Gurney says. 'The fact that members of the public were injured should send a strong warning to people intending to take part or observe – this is dangerous and stupid behaviour which can very easily result in multiple serious injuries or even death. 'On this occasion, given the size and unruly nature of the crowds involved, it is fortunate no other people were seriously hurt or worse, and that no Police officers were seriously injured,' Inspector Gurney says. Police intend to hold everyone identified as having committed an offence to account, with the Eagle helicopter proving vital in helping gather relevant information to help us follow up. Officers will have staff deployed from Central District and from Wellington ready to respond to any potential further activity this weekend.
