KEY POINTS:
Helping police apprehend a fleeing offender turned out to be a painful experience for a good samaritan in Upper Hutt today.
The man suffered a broken leg when he tried to help police make an arrest.
The incident happened in the city's main street about 10.30am when Acting Sergeant Allister Rose stopped to speak with three gang members parked in a stolen car. The trio fled the scene.
"I chased one of them criss-crossing and ducking and diving across the street," Mr Rose said. "I yelled out to one of our local business people, `grab him', and he did."
The good tackle turned sour when the businessman was assaulted and shoved to the ground, breaking a leg.
An ambulance was called and the man taken to Hutt Hospital where he was treated and released.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and will appear in Upper Hutt District Court tomorrow on six charges including possession of cannabis, associating with a gang member, aggravated assault, escaping from police custody, resisting arrest and unlawfully getting into a stolen vehicle.
Mr Rose is appealing for sightings of the two other Maori men who were wearing red hoodies and black leather sleeveless vests.
"We really appreciate the member of the public's good work in helping police. It's a real pity he got hurt in the process," Mr Rose said.
- NZPA
