Wairarapa College student threatened with screwdriver while thwarting car theft

A Good Samaritan student who intervened in what appeared to be an attempted car theft was threatened with a screwdriver today, according to police.

The student noticed the suspicious activity outside Wairarapa College at about 10.15am, police said.

When the suspect noticed he was being watched, he made the threat before running away, according to Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth. The man has not yet been identified or located, he said.

The incident initially prompted a school lockdown. However, police say they are satisfied there is no ongoing risk.

The response by the school was excellent," said Mr Bysouth. "I commend them for acting quickly to report the initial incident and take preventative action."