20 Sep 2023

Police officers injured by alleged offender released from hospital

10:28 am on 20 September 2023
No caption

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Two police officers who received head injuries while arresting an offender in Auckland on Tuesday have been released from hospital this morning.

The officers were injured after trying to stop a car in Mt Wellington about 6.15pm, and the driver fled the scene.

Police followed a male and female to an address in the Mount Wellington area.

The male then allegedly assaulted two officers inside the address before being taken into custody.

Auckland East Area Commander Inspector Rachel Dolheguy said that police were in the process of handcuffing the offender when he lashed out, attacking the officers with a heavy object.

"One officer was knocked unconscious, and both suffered head wounds," she said.

"This incident highlights the extreme propensity of violence some people are prepared to use against our police officers."

The officers are both now at home with their families, Dolheguy said.

"We are understandably concerned for our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery."

The offender, a 24-year-old male, will appear in the Auckland District Court on Wednesday facing a number of charges, including resisting police and two counts of aggravated wounding.