Ten arrested after mass courthouse brawl in Palmerston North
Ten people have been arrested after a mass courthouse brawl in Palmerston North.
Police were called to the public entrance of the Palmerston North District Court on July 16 about 10am following reports of a fight.
A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged at the time of the incident, and is due to reappear in the Palmerston North District Court on August 18, charged with fighting in a public place and theft from a person.
Manawatū Acting Area Commander Inspector Phil Ward said the nine additional arrests came after investigators spent “tireless” hours working to identify and locate those believed to be involved, including trawling through CCTV footage.
“The team’s commitment has been instrumental in progressing these arrests.”
Ward also acknowledged the help of court security staff and attending police.
Police were called to the Palmerston North District Court on July 16 after reports of a fight. Photo / Jeremy Wilkinson
“They put themselves directly in harm’s way to separate the group, and ultimately prevented this situation from escalating further.”
He said the safety of the community was the priority of police.
“Violence of this nature will not be tolerated, and we remain committed to holding those believed to be responsible to account.”
The nine additional people, aged 15 to 33, are due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court throughout August, facing charges of fighting in a public place, assault with intent to injure and criminal damage.
Ward urged the public to contact police about any suspicious or unlawful activity.
“We’re here to help keep Palmerston North safe, but we can’t do it alone.”
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