Alcohol Related Violence In City Over Weekend
New Zealand Police Waikato News Release
8:06am 23 June 2008
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4021

23 June 2008

A Hamilton man is lucky to be alive after he was stabbed but then turned his anger on Police and ambulance staff trying to help him.

Acting Senior Sergeant Dale Smith the stabbing was just one of several alcohol related violent incidents officers had to attend to on Saturday night.

"We were called to a disturbance between occupants of two houses on York St about 12.30am, Sunday morning, there were people fighting and bottles and other weapons were everywhere.

"A man had been stabbed but was abusive and violent towards Police, when the first ambulance arrived he turned his anger on them as well and discharged himself from their car."

The stabbed man's conditioned worsened and a second ambulance was called but he was again very uncooperative and was eventually arrested.

"Taken to hospital, we understand the victim was very uncooperative towards Waikato Hospital staff.

"Eventually however, they were able to treat him and it was revealed, following scans he was very seriously injured, with a split liver from the stabbing," said Mr Smith.

While staff were attending the York St incident other staff were attending an out of control party at a Dorchester Pl address where over 100 people were reported to be fighting.

Elsewhere officers attended an aggravated robbery of a video store while Police were called to break up several fights in the Hamilton CBD between 10.30pm and 3am.

Reviewing the incidents Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said such behavior would not be tolerated and Police would come down hard on those involved.

"Our resources where stretched over the weekend responding to various disorder and violence offences, a number of these emanating from out of control parties with a common theme of excess alcohol and gang fighting.

"Not only is it unacceptable that Police were subject to threatening behavior it is reprehensible that ambulance staff called in to assist the injured were subject to such behavior as well.

"It's unacceptable that a minority displaying thuggish behavior impacted so negatively on the rest of the community. We will continue to operate a Zero tolerance policy to this type of behavior and offenders can expect to be arrested and placed before the court" he said.

Mr Lindsay said Police will also be reviewing how they follow up these incidents and landlords and residents can expected a follow up visit.

A man arrested over the stabbing is expected to appear in the Hamilton District Court this morning.

ENDS

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