4 Feb 2026

Man arrested after jumping into Hutt River to evade police

6:14 pm on 4 February 2026
Hutt River

Hutt River. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton

A man will appear in Hutt Valley District Court in Wellington after attempting to evade police officers by jumping into the Hutt River today.

A witness took to social media to the describe seeing the man on a bicycle being pursued by police on the eastern side of the river near Ewen Bridge.

They said the man dumped the bicycle - ran into the water - and attempted to cross the river which was running swiftly at the time.

A police spokesperson confirmed officers were called to a store in High Street at 1.33pm and they arrested a 36-year-old man shortly after.

They said the man would appear charged with the burglary of items under $500 on Thursday.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.