Source: Radio New Zealand
File photo. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
A man’s attempt to flee police by setting sail quickly failed when he came across a police catamaran operating nearby.
Police said at about 8.30am Friday, officers told a 27-year-old Porirua man at the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions.
“Rather than face the consequences of his actions on a public holiday, the man jumped into his boat and fled towards the horizon,” police said.
Unbeknownst to him, the police catamaran, Lady Elizabeth IV, was operating nearby and responded when shore-based officers reported his escape from custody.
Unit Supervisor Sergeant Richard Kennedy said the appearance of the police boat, complete with flashing lights, probably came as a surprise to the fleeing skipper, who allegedly ignored all instructions to stop.
“When he saw us, he did a 180 in his boat and headed off at a rate of knots. He hit Porirua Harbour at speed and headed toward the shore, with us in pursuit,” Kennedy said.
“It didn’t get any better for the absconder because we were speaking with police units on the ground and letting them know where he was heading ashore.”
The man was quickly found hiding under a boat shed on the south side of the twin bridges at Paremata and placed in custody.
Police said the man has been charged with breach of bail and escaping custody. A further charge of dangerous boating was being considered.
Fisheries officers were also making enquiries after an inspection of the vessel.
The man is expected to appear in the Wellington District Court in the coming days.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
