Driver on hit-and-run charges

A car involved in a hit-and-run crash in Taupō was found with four young people inside, including an unrestrained child.

The car, a Nissan Bluebird, was driven from Napier to Taupō on Saturday afternoon, police said.

The 17-year-old driver was accompanied by two 16-year-olds and a four-year-old.

A police officer observed the car when it arrived in Taupō and signalled for it to stop about 6.15pm – but the driver fled.

Not long after, police received calls from members of the public who said the car had driven along the footpath on Lake Terrace to overtake other vehicles.

Just before 6.30pm, it collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Kaimanawa and Te Heuheu streets.

The elderly driver of the other vehicle sustained moderate injuries, police said.

‘‘The Nissan has then allegedly left the crash site and our staff have successfully located it

‘‘We are alarmed at both the dangerous nature of the driving and the fact a very young child was in the car and not secured in a car seat.’’

Inspector Chris Summerville

on Rickit St,’’ Inspector Chris Summerville said.

He said that was when officers learnt the ages of those involved, and that the young child had travelled a significant distance and been in the crash – all while unrestrained.

‘‘This is certainly a situation where there could have been a more serious outcome,’’ Summerville said.

‘‘We are alarmed at both the dangerous nature of the driving and the fact a very young child was in the car and not secured in a car seat,’’ he said.

Taupō police officers located a car seat and drove the fouryear-old to Rotorua, where the child was reunited with whānau.

The 17-year-old driver was charged with a number of offences, including; reckless driving, failing to stop to ascertain injury, failing to stop when followed by red and blue flashing lights and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was due to appear in the Rotorua Youth Court this week.