Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
Three people are facing serious criminal charges after allegedly posing as Police officers and detaining members of the public in the Eastern Bay of Plenty using a former Police vehicle modified to look like an undercover patrol car.
Police say the incident unfolded on September 13 when two young people were stopped and detained by two men and a woman who identified themselves as Police officers. The group was travelling in a black 2017 Holden Commodore that had previously served as a Police vehicle before being sold at auction.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Clements said the car had long since been stripped of its official equipment and markings, as is standard practice before former Police vehicles are sold. However, investigators allege parts of the vehicle were later fitted with aftermarket lights to recreate the appearance of an unmarked Police car.
“The occupants were not wearing Police uniforms, were not equipped with Police body armour, and were presenting themselves as Detectives,” Clements said.
He warned that the combination of a former Police vehicle and individuals claiming to be officers could easily deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
A 34-year-old man has been arrested and faces a lengthy list of charges, including impersonating Police personnel, intimidation, indecent assault, two counts of kidnapping and five counts of impersonating Police. He remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear in the Whakatāne District Court on October 7.
Police have since arrested two additional people in connection with the investigation. A 19-year-old man is facing charges including indecent assault, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of impersonating Police. A 25-year-old woman has been charged with kidnapping and is due to appear in court later this month.
Police say the allegations are deeply concerning because detaining someone while falsely claiming legal authority can amount to kidnapping, one of the most serious offences in New Zealand law.
“This was a traumatic incident for the victims involved,” Clements said.
Investigators believe there may have been other encounters involving the group and are appealing for anyone who had dealings with occupants of the black Holden Commodore, or anyone falsely claiming to be a Police officer in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, to come forward.
Police are reminding the public that genuine officers carry official Police identification. Anyone uncertain about an officer’s identity should ask to see their ID and, if concerns remain, call 111 immediately to verify who they are speaking with.
