Serious crash, SH26, Te Aroha

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a two-vehicle collision on SH26, Te Aroha.

The crash was reported at 3:53.

Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area as traffic is being diverted via Rawhiti Road.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre
 

Aggravated robbery and fleeing driver crash, Palmerston North

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Two people have been injured following an aggravated robbery and fleeing driver crash in Palmerston North overnight.

About 10.20pm, Police were called to a Tremaine Avenue commercial premises after a report of three people entering, presenting a firearm and demanding cash.

The offenders then fled the scene.

About 2.30am, Police signalled for a vehicle to stop on College Street, however it fled and immediately crashed into a parked vehicle.

Two people in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital.

Another occupant fled the scene.

Items believed to be connected to the robbery were located in the vehicle.

Police continue to make enquiries into the robbery and to locate the third occupant.

Charges are expected to be laid in due course.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Upper Queen Street homicide: Name release

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now release the name of the victim in the homicide that occurred on Upper Queen Street, on Wednesday.

He was 70-year-old Herbert Bradley.

“Police and victim support are working with the whānau through the tragedy they have suffered,” Detective Inspector Scott Beard says.

Police can confirm Mr. Bradley died as a result of being stabbed.

“Police will today complete the scene examination at the Upper Queen Street apartment where the stabbing occurred,” Detective Inspector Beard says.

“The investigation still continues, along with the prosecution phase of the two accused charged with Mr. Bradley’s murder.

“Police would like thank those residents and workers around the apartment block and car park for their understanding and assistance.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Search warrant executed for wanted man Dariush Talagi

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police is maintaining its appeal for information on the whereabouts of Dariush Talagi, who is wanted to arrest for murder.

This morning, the Operation Alto investigation team, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, executed a search warrant at a Mt Wellington address.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says the investigation team are continuing to look, assess and act on the information being provided by the public.

“We believed Talagi may have been at this address, however he was not located this morning and our enquiries continue.

“A search was conducted at the property and we have recovered a rifle, ammunition and a quantity of cannabis.”

A 24-year-old man at the address has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession for supply of cannabis.

He is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court next week.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says the investigation team are still seeking information of the whereabouts of Tiari Boon-Harris, who is believed to be with Talagi.

“I would like to acknowledge those who have provided us information to date. My message remains that anyone with information should contact us, even if that is anonymously.

“It is a criminal offence to be an accessory after the fact for murder, and you could be liable for prosecution.”

If you sight Talagi, please contact 111.

Anyone with information can share this anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be provided through calling 105 or going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 , referencing file number 230804/3399.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Police make arrest after suspicious fire

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A teenager will face court after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail into a Te Atatū South home, causing significant damage to the property and those inside.

Police were called at around 2.30am on 6 August a Molotov cocktail was thrown through the master bedroom window of a house on Cron Avenue.

Detective Sergeant Murray Free, of Waitematā CIB, says a couple were inside asleep in bed when the room suddenly became engulfed in flames.

“One person received burns to their face, and both occupants were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns to their bodies.

“The house was extensively damaged by fire and the couple were forced to move out of their home,” Detective Sergeant Free says.

He says a search warrant was executed this week with an arrest being made.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims, and a completely unprovoked attack, which will have a financial impact on these victims.

“I want to reassure the community that we are committed to making sure people are held accountable for their actions.”

A 16-year-old will appear in Waitākere Youth Court on 29 August charged with arson.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police 

Swift arrest following fleeing driver incident, Papatoetoe

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A man will face the court next week following an alleged fleeing driver incident in Papatoetoe overnight.

Just after midnight, Police observed a motorcycle believed to stolen travelling at high speed before failing to stop for a red light on East Tamaki Drive.

“Despite Police signalling for the motorcycle to stop, it fled the area,” Counties Manukau West Area Commander Inspector Ross Ellwood says.

“While Police elected not to pursue, with the assistance from Eagle, the motorcycle was tracked as it continued to travel in a dangerous manner in the area.”

The motorcycle eventually came to a stop on Fairview Road and the male has attempted to evade Police by entering an address.

“Police arrived shortly after and he was taken into custody without further incident,” says Inspector Ellwood.

The 30-year-old man will face multiple charges in relation to the stolen vehicle, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for Police. 

He is due to appear in the Manukau District Court on Wednesday 30 August.

“Police will continue to hold those who put themselves and other’s safety at risk to account,” says Inspector Ellwood.

ENDS.

Anna Thompson/NZ Police

Serious Crash, State Highway 1, Oakleigh

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a two vehicle crash on State Highway 1 at Oakleigh, south of Whangarei.

The crash was reported around 6:40pm.

One person received serious injuries and is being transported to hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

The road is closed and diversions are in place at Springfield Road and Salmon Road.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Update – Homicide investigation, Roslyn, Palmerston North

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Attributable to Central District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan:

A scene examination has been completed and investigations are ongoing, following the death of a man in Clyde Crescent, Roslyn on Monday morning.

Dayne Rademakers, aged 36, died in hospital following the incident, leading Police to launch a homicide investigation.

Investigators are speaking to people who were present at the address and at nearby properties at the time of the incident, in an effort to piece together the events that led to Dayne’s death.

We would like to hear from anyone who observed people or vehicles in the Clyde Crescent area between 3am and 4.30am on Monday morning.

If you witnessed anything in that area at that time, or have information that could assist the investigation team, please call 105 and reference file number 230821/7290 or go online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105  quoting file number 230821/7290.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre
 

Police catch culprit following aggravated robbery

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A man who walked into a Titirangi pharmacy and allegedly threated a teenage shop assistant with a knife has been arrested.

Police were called following the aggravated robbery on Titirangi Road on 11 August around 5.55pm.

Detective Sergeant Murray Free, of Waitematā CIB, says the man approached the counter, allegedly presenting a knife and making demands.

“He made demands for money to the shop assistant, which he took from the till draw and then fled from the shop.

“Fortunately, the victim was not hurt as a result of this ordeal, but is understandably shaken and has been provided support by Police.”

Enquiries have been ongoing since the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage and forensic examinations.

“We have no tolerance for this sort of violent behaviour against people who are just going about their job.

“It is pleasing for Police that we have made an arrest in this investigation and I hope this will bring some reassurance to the victim and wider community.”

A 40-year-old man has been charged with aggravated robbery and will reappear in Waitākere District Court at a later date.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police 

Police acknowledge sentencing of Christchurch brothers

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Attributable to Detective Inspector Scott Anderson, Canterbury Field Crime Manager:

Police acknowledge the sentencing today of Danny and Roberto Jaz in the Christchurch District Court.

This brings an end to five years of complex and detailed investigation work, and a drawn-out prosecution process.

I would like to acknowledge and honour all of the victims who bravely came to Police to share what had happened to them. Their journey through the process has not been easy, however because of their courage they have made our community a safer place.

These victims have helped raise awareness of this type of predatory behaviour, putting others on notice that this type of offending is serious and will be investigated and prosecuted.

I would also like to acknowledge our team of investigators, prosecutors and support workers and agencies who put so much time and dedication into this case to support and allow the victims to have a voice.

We will ensure the victims have access to any support they need as they move forward.

Police continue to encourage anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault to make a report.

We will take all such reports seriously, offer victims the required support, and work to hold offenders to account.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre