[TheList] Bugger me it just gets worse.....

Mon Dec 27 07:24:15 AEDT 2010

Title: Teenage boys face charges following machete attack on Hamilton officer

Two juveniles arrested following an alleged attack on a Hamilton Police  
officer have been charged in relation to the incident.

Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said the pair may face  
more serious charges depending on the outcome of interviews being carried out  
today.

The arrests follow officers being called to a Pukete address shortly before  
5pm yesterday after reports of occupants of the home fighting with weapons.

"As our staff arrived those involved have stopped fighting and one has lunged  
at the officer with a knife, as he avoided that attack he has drawn his baton  
and it is that motion that has saved him from a machete swung by an offender  
who had come up from behind.

"The tip of the machete has struck the baton, deflecting it and saving the  
officer from harm. From there the Constable has used pepper-spray to disperse  
his attackers who fled into the house."

Mr Lindsay said officers at the scene had the full range of tactical options  
available to them and it appears they were put to good use.

"A voice appeal for those involved to come out failed and officers had to  
enter the house to ensure the safety of not only themselves but other  
occupants and the offenders as well."

"A taser was used to subdue one person and as a result of this incident a  
16-year-old male faces a charge of aggravated assault while a 14-year-old boy  
has been charged with assault with a weapon."

Mr Lindsay said those involved in yesterday's incident had been drinking and  
there were concerns for Police in relation to people of the boys' age having  
access to alcohol.

"Our staff have dealt with a number of domestic violence incidents over the  
past few days and with the holiday period still having a way to go we're  
asking people to consider where their drinking is taking them?

"This incident could have and indeed was close to ending far worse than it  
did and we're urging people in stressful situations to take time out or to  
seek help before it gets out of hand and they find themselves facing serious  
consequences as these two lads are now."

The attacked officer suffered a black eye and did not require medical  
treatment, he resumed full duties following the incident and Mr Lindsay  
commended him for using those tactical options available to him correctly and  
with confidence.

End

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