Traffic stop scuffle leads to charges

Photo / Martin Sykes

Two people face charges of assaulting police officers after a scuffle following a routine traffic stop in Hastings last night, say police.

A constable pulled over a car in Flaxmere Avenue about 9pm when the driver became aggressive towards the constable, said Eastern police district communications manager Kris McGehan.

The aggression led the officer to pepper spray the driver and he called for back up. When a second officer arrived there was a scuffle between the driver and two officers, she said.

The driver's girlfriend then tried to pull one of the officers off him, Ms McGehan said.

The officers received bruises and cuts and one of them a jab in the ribcage while the driver suffered a cut lip in the "scuffle", she said.

The 30-year-old driver was charged with disorderly behaviour, two counts of assaulting police and driving with excess breath alcohol.

The woman, 24, was charged with obstructing police and assaulting a police officer.

They were both due to appear in Hastings District Court today.

- NZPA