Pursuit ends in arrest
A man allegedly involved in two police pursuits yesterday was arrested after a member of the public helped block him as he tried to flee from police. Senior Sergeant Steve Dixon said the man was involved in a pursuit about 11.20am yesterday near Kaitaia. The car fled and was seen again in Whangārei about 3pm. The car was driven south and allegedly failed to stop. However a driver of a large ute impeded the fleeing vehicle and the car went off State Highway 1 at Smeaton's Hill. A 22-year-old Whangārei man will appear in Whangārei District Court today on two charges of failing to stop, dangerous driving and breach of bail.
Tickets strike $8000
A Lotto Strike ticket sold in Dargaville was among 90 nationally that each won more than $8000 in Wednesday night's draw. The Strike Must Be Won jackpot of $700,000 was not won by a single ticket and therefore rolled down to Division 2, where it was shared by 90 players. A ticket sold at Dargaville Four Square was one of those that won $8409.
Stabbed man in hospital
A man stabbed at least four times and driven to Kerikeri police station is tight-lipped about how he was injured and has chosen not to make a complaint to police. The man who was delivered to the Kerikeri police station about 10.30pm on Wednesday was then flown by Northland Rescue Helicopter to Whangarei Hospital in a serious condition. Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said the man did not want to talk with police about the circumstances around the stabbing. However, police would investigate as much as they could. The man is in Whangārei Hospital in a stable condition.
Public efforts thanked
Northland police have thanked the public for their help in finding a missing 14-year-old girl from Kaitaia. Early last week police put out an appeal for help to find Mya Hetaraka, who had been missing since April 14, because they were concerned for her safety. There had been sightings of her in Whangārei and Kaitaia over the previous 3-4 weeks which police had not been able to confirm at that stage. The girl was found safe and well in Kaitaia late last week.
Charity appeal today
Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand is calling for donations today to help more than 100 families with a child in hospital stay together free of charge as part of their May Family Appeal Week. Spot RMHC's volunteer street collectors out and about today or text TOGETHER to $4483 to help make a difference.
