Police acknowledge the findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority into the use of force during an arrest in Kaikohe.
On 17 May 2025, two officers in separate patrol cars attempted to engage a vehicle in a traffic stop.
The driver rammed both Police vehicles before driving away at speed, with officers making the decision not to pursue.
A short time later the offending vehicle was located at a nearby sports field.
A Police dog handler used his Police dog to track the male driver of the vehicle, who was spotted in nearby scrub.
The man has not complied with voice appeals to come out and attempted to run from Police.
The dog was released and the man was bitten. During this time, he began choking the Police dog around the neck.
A second officer arrived, attempting to remove the man’s grip from the dog’s neck and punched the man in the face and torso to effect the release of the dog.
The man suffered a significant bite injury and after being given first aid by offices at the scene, was transported to hospital where he underwent surgery.
A 40-year-old man has since been convicted of a raft of serious driving and violence offences.
The Authority’s investigation found the dog bite and use of force were justified. Police staff also discharged their duty of care to the man for his injuries.
Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj says Police acknowledge the IPCA’s findings.
“Our staff had been dealing with a dynamic event where two vehicles had been rammed in an attempt to evade Police and showed a complete disregard for anyone’s safety,” he says.
“I acknowledge our staff’s risk assessment in approaching this incident and working to apprehend the man.
“Our Police dogs are valued members of the Police whānau, and our staff have worked to prevent any injury to the Police dog while trying to take the man into custody.”
