A Porirua man’s attempt to flee Police by boat ended quickly today after he ran into a Police catamaran operating in Porirua Harbour.
Police said officers approached the 27-year-old at the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp about 8.30am and told him he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions.
Instead of complying, the man jumped into his boat and sped away from the ramp.
Shore-based officers immediately alerted maritime staff, unaware to the fleeing skipper that a New Zealand Police catamaran was already operating nearby.
Maritime Unit Supervisor Sergeant Richard Kennedy said the Police vessel activated its lights and instructed the man to stop, but he ignored those directions.
“When he saw us, he did a 180 in his boat and headed off at a rate of knots,” Kennedy said. “He entered Porirua Harbour at speed and headed toward the shore, with us in pursuit.”
Police coordinated with units on land, tracking where the boat was likely to come ashore.
The man abandoned the vessel and was found hiding under a boat shed on the southern side of the twin bridges at Paremata. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Police said the man has been charged with breaching bail and escaping custody. A further charge of dangerous boating is being considered.
Fisheries officers are also making enquiries following an inspection of the vessel.
The man is expected to appear in the Porirua District Court in the coming days.