Man charged over indecent assault in Auckland's Herne Bay
The man was arrested on Ponsonby Rd after reports of aggressive behaviour. Photo: RNZ/ Lydia Batham
A man who was reported to be acting aggressively to the public in Auckland's Ponsonby has been charged with an earlier indecent assault.
Police said a man was arrested on Ponsonby Rd on Tuesday afternoon following reports he had been acting aggressively towards the public.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock said there had been numerous reports of the man acting "disorderly and aggressively" in the area before 1.30pm.
"This man allegedly punched two people at separate points, before being arrested on the same road."
After further investigation, Bostock said the 45-year-old man was also being charged over an alleged indecent assault in nearby Herne Bay on Monday.
"It will be alleged the man had approached a woman on Jervois Rd at around 3.40pm and subjected her to an incident assault," Bostock said.
"Our investigators had been working to identify this man today when the reports on Ponsonby Rd were received."
The man would be charged with indecent assault, Bostock said and police would oppose his bail when he appeared in Auckland District Court on Wednesday.
Police also wanted to hear from the public about any similar concerning behaviour this week which may have involved the man, Bostock said.
"It's always concerning when this behaviour occurs in our communities, and I would like to reassure the wider community that this man is in custody.
"I acknowledge those people in Ponsonby who called 111 so soon as the man's actions were taking place today."
Bostock said it was a "concerning pattern of behaviour", and police wanted to hear from anyone who might have more information.
"We believe this man may have been on foot around main roads extending from Jervois Rd in Herne Bay, Ponsonby Rd through to the Grey Lynn end of Karangahape Rd."
The man was described as Caucasian, around 180 centimetres tall, of medium build and with shaved hair.
Anyone with further matters to report should contact police and use the reference number 250105/5512.
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