An 18-year-old Ōtorohanga man has been arrested and a ute recovered after a police car was allegedly rammed during a boy racer event in Hamilton over the weekend.
More than 1000 anti-social road users took to the streets of Hamilton on Saturday night, where they caused damage to vehicles and disrupted the community.
Police said that over the course of "several hours" the crowds took part in illegal street racing.
The crowd became "increasingly hostile", and attendees began throwing objects, shooting fireworks, and shining lasers at responding officers.
Four police vehicles were rammed and damaged in the chaos.
Five vehicles were impounded, and more than 100 infringements, 20 green stickers and eight pink stickers were issued.
Today, police carried out searches at two Ōtorohanga properties and undertook inquiries in Huntly.
In Huntly, officers found a "freshly painted" ute which was believed to be involved in the ramming.
The 18-year-old was charged with intentional damage causing danger to life, dangerous driving, and receiving stolen property.
He was bailed and is set to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Friday.
"The teenager's charges relate to one of four separate incidents in which Police vehicles were rammed," Detective Sergeant Matt Lee said.
"In this incident, a police officer was knocked to the ground and was lucky to receive only minor injuries."
A ute allegedly rammed a police car, injuring an officer. There are fears any repeat of the behaviour could end far more seriously. (Source: 1News)
Lee said videos from the event had assisted in the arrest and said police are continuing to investigate behaviour from the weekend.
"We want to thank the members of the public who have provided valuable information and our warning to all those involved is that we are continuing to review the video evidence recorded by those who took part in this event, and we will be making every effort to hold people to account for their dangerous and violent actions."
He asked anyone with information to call police on 105.
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