Crimeline - wanted man, assaults, drink drivers
Police are on the hunt for Christopher Mitchell, who Police believe is in the Invercargill area, but may have travelled to Queenstown.
Fookes says he’s wanted for failing to appear in the Queenstown District Court charged with threatening to kill in Queenstown on 5 October and driving in a dangerous manner.
If you have seen Christopher or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update Police online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 241005/3513.
Vicious downtown assault
The downtown vicious assaults continue with a male assaulted and knocked unconscious at 2.45am in Queenstown Mall. Fookes says the suspect was followed by security staff and arrested by Police nearby. A 21-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault with intent to injure. He has appeared in the Queenstown District Court and will reappear on 6 January.
Help locating unprovoked attacker
Police have an appointment to speak to someone in relation to a Facebook post this week asking the public for help locating a man who could assist with their enquiries after an assault at a Brecon Street bar. One person lost a tooth and had several others chipped in the unprovoked attack around 6.30pm on Saturday, 16 November. Enquiries are ongoing.
Drink driver – all the hallmarks of a tragedy
Police are “appalled” at the reckless actions of an Alexandra driver who they say put countless lives at risk after admitting to drinking all night in Queenstown and only having two hours rest before heading home on Sunday afternoon.
Otago Lakes Central road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Watt says the driver had been seen allegedly overtaking five vehicles in a row at speed and weaving about before clipping another vehicle at Gibbston and spinning out of control. He was processed for drink driving and Police from Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell attended. The highway was closed for a short time.
“This crash had all the hallmarks of turning into a tragedy and Police are appalled at the actions of the driver who put countless lives at risk through his thoughtless behaviour. Alcohol takes a minimum of 12 hours to process through your body.”
Speeding, no seat belts
Senior Sergeant John Fookes says Road Policing staff throughout the region are concerned at the number of speeding drivers, many not wearing seatbelts, being caught recently. The situation has been particularly bad on the state highway south between Queenstown and Lumsden, and the culprits include New Zealand and overseas drivers. “Staff have been writing out numerous speeding notices, and quite a few drivers have not been wearing seatbelts,” he says. “That’s not a good combination when it comes to serious injury.”
Car rolls on Glenorchy Road
Two occupants of a vehicle that crashed and flipped several times on the Glenorchy Road were fortunate to escape with only minor injuries at 1am on Friday, 22 November. Fookes says the vehicle hit a bank and flipped several times, landing on its roof.
Summer backcountry users beware
Police and search and rescue volunteers are urging backcountry lovers not to be “lulled into a false sense of security” after a hiker of Nepalese descent was rescued in the snow between Wye Creek and the Remarkables last week. Fookes says while it’s warmer this time of year can still be changeable. “People still need to be self-sufficient, be prepared with the right gear and food in case they get caught out and to take note of the forecast.”
Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team coordinator Russ Tilsley says volunteers have been preparing for the expected increase in callouts heading into summer when more people head to the hills. He’s also urging people to have the correct equipment, food supplies, clothing, warm gear and to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), or some sort of satellite communications device. These can be rented or bought locally. “Check your plan and let someone know about it. Double check the weather and leave an emergency contact in case you’re overdue,” Tilsley says.
Volunteer crews have been training regularly ahead of summer, checking, charging and updating their gear ready for rescues. “Our biggest problem is inexperienced people seeing photos from other Instagrammers and they head off on a serious walk with no real track,” he says. “They get led astray in our terrain in search of the best photo.” Many backpackers heading into areas like Brewster Glacier or French Ridge Hut aren’t aware that New Zealand’s weather changes quickly.
Mountain biker airlifted
A mountain biker was airlifted to Lakes District Hospital after an accident near Ben Lomond at 4.32pm on Sunday, 24 November. St John says one helicopter and one ambulance attended and the patient was in a moderate condition.
