A Dargaville man accused of having an altercation with police where a gun was allegedly presented has been released on bail. The 26-year-old, who has name suppression, appeared in Whangārei District Court this week on a number of charges after an airgun was allegedly pointed at officers when they arrested a man at a family harm incident in Dargaville on January 16. The man will reappear in the court on July 6.
Passenger in fleeing car faces trial
A woman who was allegedly in a car driven by a fleeing driver may be tried by a jury next month. Tama-Parei Parata is facing charges of using a firearm against law enforcement officers and driving in a dangerous manner. She was allegedly in a car with Jeffrey Cassidy behind the wheel on the night of September 2, 2020 when he led police on a pursuit along Kamo Rd, Riverside Dr, and central Whangārei where he fired multiple shots at police. He was sentenced to seven years in jail. Parata is on bail and a reserved jury trial is scheduled for July 12.
Gang members facing court
Two Black Power members netted in a police operation in Whangarei are due back in court in August. Hiko Komene, 24, and 32-year-old Israel Orani faced joint firearms charges related to a cut-down .22 calibre rifle and a bag containing 47 rounds of ammunition. Both men were charged separately with resisting arrest.
