Man denies shooting at police officers

Aren Curtis appeared at Tauranga District Court today. File photo.

A man who allegedly shot at police officers in Mount Maunganui is denying all charges.

Aren Thomas Curtis, 31, appeared via audio visual link at Tauranga District Court on Thursday and laughed as the charges related to use of firearms against law enforcement were read out by District Court Judge Christopher Harding.

Curtis allegedly shot in the direction of officers chasing him, as he allegedly ran from a road-spiked Audi in the early hours of Friday, March 19, in the Arataki area of Mount Maunganui.

Curtis had warrants out for arrest over failure to appear in court for previous charges.

The incident caused a manhunt across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato region.

He was later located at a property in Hamilton East before appearing at Hamilton District Court on Wednesday, March 24.

Curtis was then charged with numerous offences including knowingly using a firearm against a member of police, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, receiving a stolen $120,000 black A8 Audi and charges related to methamphetamine.

As his charges were relayed to in Tauranga District Court this morning, Curtis, who appeared via audio visual link, laughed and used a profanity as his lawyer, Bill Nabney, entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of using a firearm against law enforcement.

Curtis pleaded not guilty to all charges and elected a trial by jury.

Curtis has been remanded in custody until a crown case review hearing on June 24.

A second case review hearing has been set for May 27, with Crown set to consider whether earlier charges faced by Curtis should be joined.

Some of Curtis' previous charges relate to other locations, such as Palmerston North, so decisions must be made on where certain charges will be faced.

Curtis also faces a charge of indecent assault in Te Awamutu.

A judge alone trial in Te Awamutu has been set for June 14.

1 comment

Whichever way you slice it

Posted on 06-05-2021 13:34 | By Let's get real

Our "justice" system just isn't a real deterrent. A stay in prison needs to have teeth. Whenever I hear people say that removing villains from their loved ones is the punishment, I despair for the future that our good citizens will inherit. These oxygen thieves don't want time with their family if they're able to strut around like a Peacock surrounded by their mates and adoring acolytes.


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