POLICE FIRED ON

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1932, Page 5

POLICE FIRED ON

IN MAKING ARREST CHARGES OF FALSE PRETENCES. (By Teleyraph—Per tress Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, March 10. Detective Meiklejolm and Constable Tocker had ail uneviabie experience last mglit at Tikoraiigi when, it is alleged, they were threatened by Christian De Rink with a douhle-barreueu shot-gun on attempting to arrest him oil four charges of false pretences. One barrel of the gun was discharged, and the mail was rushed and overpowered by Detective Meiklejolm. De Rink, who had been living near Tikoraiigi for about two months, was wanted on four charges alleging that ho had obtained from A. A. Coban and Sons, Wellington,, various quantities of wine totalling in value £65/15/6 on the false representation that they had been ordered by four different residents of Wellington, some of them licensees of hotels. The Detective and Constable went to the house to arrest De Rink. He had evidently some information that the police were after him, and be gained possession of a shotgun. He met the officers with this. When he returned about 8.30 p.m., Detective Meiklejolm wn.s on guard at the bade of the place, and it is alleged that the man at once pointed the gun at him ami threatened to shoot- if he attempted arrest.

After a little parley, the Detective approached the man, who made off in the dark. Detective Meiklejolm called to Constable Tocker, who was on guard at the front of the house, that De Kink had a gun. The man returned in a quarter of an hour, and be seemed more defiant. The officers dd their best to quiet him, and to persuade him to submit quietly, but be refused.

Detective Meiklejolm at an opportune moment, while Constable Tocker bad De Rink engaged in conversation, ruslled the man, grabling him under his free arm, and getting his other arm across to the arm which still held the gun. De Rink made a last desperate struggle. One barrel was discharged, but the shot went wide of both officers. De Rink was thrown, and was subsequently brought to New Plymouth in a car.

De Rink was brought before the Court, where, in addition to charges relating to false pretences, lie was charge that, with intent to resist lawful apprehension, he attempted t,o discharge a firearm at Detective Meiklejohn and Constable Tocker. He was remanded to appear on March 23rd.