Far North Area Commander Inspector Riki Whiu said the man allegedly broke into the police station by smashing through the door with a brick. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A 27-year-old man is due in court today after allegedly assaulting a woman, and then breaking into the Paihia Police Station.
Far North Area Commander Inspector Riki Whiu said officers were initially called to Marsden Road, near the Selwyn Mall, in Paihia around 1.15pm on July 30 after reports of a male and a female arguing.
Whiu said the man had seriously assaulted the woman, who is believed to be known to him.
She was taken to Whangārei Hospital with serious injuries to her head and body, and is in a stable condition.
Minutes later, police were notified of an alarm activation at Paihia Police Station, said Whiu.
He had smashed his way into the front of the station with a brick, smashed through another internal door, before gaining entry into the office area where he damaged the internal alarm that was sounding.
He was located by police inside and arrested.
The same male is believed to have been involved in both incidents, said Whiu.
At the time this incident occurred, the station was not open and there was no tactical equipment stored on site.
Whiu said the damage was being repaired and police would be conducting a review to establish whether any improvements can be made.
The man is due to appear in Kaikohe District Court today charged with wounding with intent, wilful damage, intentional damage, and burglary.
Whiu said as part of ongoing inquiries, police would like to hear from anyone in the vicinity of Selwyn Mall, Selwyn Road, or Williams Road who saw what happened, or recall seeing a male acting suspiciously in Paihia township during the day and prior to these events.
