Girl accidentally pepper sprayed by police

  • 12/09/2015
(Facebook)
(Facebook)

Police have apologised after accidentally pepper spraying a young girl last night in Whakatane.

The girl was a passenger in the car of a man at the centre of a violent assault on an officer during a routine traffic stop, police say.

The man, who is known to police, refused to give his details when the car was stopped at around 5:40pm. The police officer reached for his keys when he attempted to drive off.

The man then trapped the officer's arm in his car window, breaking the glass and cutting the officer's arm. The man proceeded to punch the officer several times before being pepper sprayed and arrested.

Police say the girl in the car was accidentally sprayed during the altercation. She received immediate care and sustained no lasting injury.

"We're sorry for the obvious distress and pain this would have caused the girl during the incident and are pleased that she is okay," says Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Andy McGregor.

"However, had it not been for the violent actions of the man involved, officers would not have had to use pepper spray to protect themselves in the first place.

"It is also sad that she is an innocent victim who has had to witness this violent incident, which could have been completely avoided had the man simply complied with the officers, who were just trying to do their job while keeping the community safe."

The officer received minor injuries and is back on duty. The man has been charged with aggravated assault, failing to stop and giving false details.

3 News