Gang tension: From stolen ambulance to under-guard hospital patient
“Police remain in close contact with Southland Hospital management to ensure patient and staff safety."
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Gang tension appears to be bubbling in Invercargill, with the Southland Hospital an area of focus in recent days.
Of interest is a patient at Southland Hospital who is recovering from injuries, which police said were sustained in an assault on Monday.
It is believed the patient is linked to an incident involving a stolen ambulance in Invercargill in the early hours of Monday morning.
Relieving Southland Area Commander, Inspector Matt Scoles, told The Tribune that police were aware of, and continued to monitor, possible gang tensions in Invercargill.
That followed assaults in the area over the last week, he said.
“A victim remains in Southland Hospital recovering from their injuries sustained in an assault on Monday.
“Police remain in close contact with Southland Hospital management to ensure patient and staff safety. Police are also continuing to conduct reassurance patrols at and around its premises,” Scoles said.
Scoles said they would continue to investigate the assaults and remain determined to hold offenders to account.
Police were constantly assessing information as it comes to hand, and Scholes said they have the ability to seek additional resource and staffing from around the District should this be required.
A 20-year-old man was charged with kidnapping after an ambulance was allegedly stolen in Invercargill in the early hours of Monday morning.
A paramedic and police officer were inside when the ambulance was taken.
Police had been called to assist an ambulance crew who were dealing with an “agitated” person on Elles Rd.
A police officer and an ambulance officer were speaking with a man in the back of the ambulance when it was alleged that he jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off.
Police indicated he did not get too far before the police officer was able to knock the vehicle out of gear and stop it.
He has been charged with kidnapping, driving while suspended, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop, and two counts of resisting police.