Police say windows have been smashed at the Kawerau Police Station. Photo: Googlemaps
Police say a person tried to smash their way into the Kawerau Police Station on Friday morning.
Kawerau Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Al Fenwick claims that at about 2.50am a person attempted to gain entry to the police station where an officer was inside.
Fenwick said windows were smashed and the alleged offender tried to smash a glass door.
He said no-one gained entry to the station and a person left the scene in a vehicle.
"A pickaxe was located nearby."
Fenwick said police identified and located a suspect in another part of town and at 6.25am the Armed Offenders Squad took a man into custody without incident.
All cordons in the area had now been lifted, he said.
A 30-year-old man had appeared in the Whakatāne District Court today charged with intentional damage, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Fenwick thanked staff and the community for their response, cooperation and understanding.
On 26 March a man allegedly smashed his way into the Murupara Police Station at 6.45am.
Police said the man barricaded himself inside and officers negotiated with him for several hours.
Members of the Armed Offenders Squad were at the scene.
Police said no-one else was inside the station, which had been unmanned at the time.
The man was eventually taken into custody.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
