Arrests Made Following Public Brawl in Kopeopeo Last Month

Police said four men have been arrested in relation to a public brawl that occured in Kopeopeo, Whakatāne, on Wednesday, 15 April.

Around 12.30pm, police were called to the shopping area of Kopeopeo after a brawl broke out involving several people “with gang associations.”

Police said officers responded immediately; however, the majority of the group had already fled the area.

Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Anthony Hay said public place violence is alarming for the community to witness and “completely” unacceptable.

“This took place in a busy shopping area in the middle of the day – our community should never have had to witness this gang violence and be made to feel unsafe,” Hay said.

“I want to thank those who called 111 immediately when this brawl broke out, as well as the witnesses who have come forward with considerable information to help our investigation.”

He said police hope these arrests bring some assurance to everyone.

“We know many of those who were present would have been alarmed with what they saw.”

The men first appeared in the Whakatāne District Court on 12 May, where they were granted bail.

They are due to reappear on 26 May, facing the following charges:

• A 20-year-old man was charged with unlawful assembly and assault with a weapon.
• A 24-year-old man was charged with unlawful assembly, assault with a weapon, assault with intent to injure, and prohibited display of gang insignia in public.
• A 28-year-old man was charged with unlawful assembly and possessing a knife in public.
• A 28-year-old man was charged with unlawful assembly and assault with a weapon.

“I am pleased we are able to hold these people to account, and we are not ruling out further arrests or charges,” said Hay.