‘Crate Day’ chaos over weekend

A police unit on patrol at Waihi Beach discovered a nylon string stretched across Seaforth Rd at head height posing an extreme risk to road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists. Luckily the patrol vehicle collided with it first and police dismantled it.

A Katikati man was arrested for disorderly behaviour at Waihi Beach Hotel for threatening behaviour toward others including bar staff. He also punched a window, smashing it. The man was heavily intoxicated. While being removed from the premises his associate tried to intervene and was also arrested.

Police received reports of about 20 to 40 people fighting in the carpark of Waihi Beach Hotel after an earlier altercation inside.

Multiple fights broke out in the carpark. The bar was closed early as a result. Police will be investigating further.

Police attended a significant landslide which blocked SH2 Karangahake and co-ordinated road contracting services to clear the highway. The slip caused significant delays and issues relating to traffic control and diversions. Eventually one lane was able to be reopened.

While police were dealing with the landslide another violent disorder incident occurred at Snell Cres, Waihi Beach, after a traffic crash involving two vehicles.

A ute and hatchback car collided at an intersection, causing the ute to flip on to its side.

Two occupants from the ute were hospitalised with moderate injuries. Police are still investigating but early reports are that two groups began fighting after the crash.

Further to this a Waihi Beach volunteer firefighter was assaulted by a man.

The male suspect has been identified, however, at the time of this report police are still trying to locate him.

The driver of the hatchback car underwent alcohol breath testing procedures. He was charged with careless driving causing injury and driving with excess breath alcohol. He will be appearing in court soon.