20 September 2013
A new news release is available for you to view on the
www.police.govt.nzwebsite:
"Waikato Police commend dog handler's actions in rescuing partner at
gunpoint"
Waikato Police will consider the most appropriate way to recognise the
actions of one of their dog handler's overnight, who despite being confronted
by a gunman, managed to rescue his Police dog as his vehicle was stolen.
District Commander, Superintendent Win van der Velde, said the incident began
shortly before midnight when the dog handler, travelling on Gordonton Rd,
noticed a vehicle of interest.
"The driver of that car, a white Toyota Soarer, had fled Police about 5pm
when other officers attempted to stop it and the pursuit was abandoned.
"The dog handler caught up to the Toyota and confirmed it was the vehicle
being sought and initiated a pursuit, activating his lights and sirens but
the driver failed to stop."
Mr van der Velde said the fleeing driver reached speeds of between
100-140km/h on rural roads before losing control on a bend near the
intersection of Waverley and Holland Roads.
"As the officer approached the stationary car with his dog the driver got out
of the passenger side brandishing a handgun and threatened to kill the
handler."
The dog handler has backed away from the threatening gunman and as the
offender has reached the Police dog van he started the ignition.
"It appears the dog has automatically jumped into the back of the van. While
the driver was turning the vehicle around the handler has run to the rear of
the vehicle and safely extracted his partner to safety."
Mr van der Velde said the driver of the stolen Police dog van has fled east
while cordons were established under the management of the Northern
Communications Centre.
"Notifications by Northcomms to large fleet operators resulted in a number of
truck drivers alerting Police to the direction the offender was fleeing and
the Police vehicle was located early this morning at a rural property in
Tahuna undamaged.
"The actions of the dog handler are highly commendable and speak volumes of
the close bonds forged between handlers and their dogs. The officer and his
dog are both fine and recovering at home."
Mr van der Velde said the support of the public, particularly those drivers
who updated Police on the movements of the stolen vehicle, were also
commendable and of great assistance to Police.
"At this point the offender, who has yet to be identified, remains at large
and we urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts or identity to contact
Police by ringing 111. This person is considered armed and should not be
approached.
"At the same time we would ask the offender involved and his associates to
take a moment to reflect on the serious nature of situation and consider
handing himself in. Alternatively, anyone with information who can't speak
directly to Police can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on
0800 555111."
End
Waikato Police will consider the most appropriate way to recognise the
actions of one of their dog handler's overnight, who despite being confronted
by a gunman, managed to rescue his Police dog as his vehicle was stolen.
District Commander, Superintendent Win van der Velde, said the incident began
shortly before midnight when the dog handler, travelling on Gordonton Rd,
noticed a vehicle of interest.
"The driver of that car, a white Toyota Soarer, had fled Police about 5pm
when other officers attempted to stop it and the pursuit was abandoned.
"The dog handler caught up to the Toyota and confirmed it was the vehicle
being sought and initiated a pursuit, activating his lights and sirens but
the driver failed to stop."
Mr van der Velde said the fleeing driver reached speeds of between
100-140km/h on rural roads before losing control on a bend near the
intersection of Waverley and Holland Roads.
"As the officer approached the stationary car with his dog the driver got out
of the passenger side brandishing a handgun and threatened to kill the
handler."
The dog handler has backed away from the threatening gunman and as the
offender has reached the Police dog van he started the ignition.
"It appears the dog has automatically jumped into the back of the van. While
the driver was turning the vehicle around the handler has run to the rear of
the vehicle and safely extracted his partner to safety."
Mr van der Velde said the driver of the stolen Police dog van has fled east
while cordons were established under the management of the Northern
Communications Centre.
"Notifications by Northcomms to large fleet operators resulted in a number of
truck drivers alerting Police to the direction the offender was fleeing and
the Police vehicle was located early this morning at a rural property in
Tahuna undamaged.
"The actions of the dog handler are highly commendable and speak volumes of
the close bonds forged between handlers and their dogs. The officer and his
dog are both fine and recovering at home."
Mr van der Velde said the support of the public, particularly those drivers
who updated Police on the movements of the stolen vehicle, were also
commendable and of great assistance to Police.
"At this point the offender, who has yet to be identified, remains at large
and we urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts or identity to contact
Police by ringing 111. This person is considered armed and should not be
approached.
"At the same time we would ask the offender involved and his associates to
take a moment to reflect on the serious nature of situation and consider
handing himself in. Alternatively, anyone with information who can't speak
directly to Police can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on
0800 555111."
End
You can view full details online at:
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/waikato-police-commend-dog-handlers-actions-rescuing-partner-gunpointThanks,
New Zealand Police
