Three men have been charged after hit-and-run incident on police officers in the Bay of Plenty.

Operation Ram was launched on August 12, 2022, following an evening of disorder in Kawerau, where police were responding to reports of intimidation, sustained loss of traction, dangerous driving, and threatening behaviour by a small group of gang members.

During the evening, a parked police patrol car, with two officers inside, was hit by a car, which immediately left the scene, says Senior Sergeant Tristan Murray .

As a result of police enquiries, three men have been charged with a range of offences.

A 30-year-old Kawerau man is charged with disorderly behaviour, assault with intent to injure, resisting police, driving while disqualified, and sustained loss of traction, says Tristan.

"He is due to reappear in Whakatāne District Court on November 16.

"A 29-year-old Kawerau man is charged with disorderly behaviour, two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, obstruction, and threatening speech.

"He is due to reappear in Whakatāne District Court on November 9.

"A 26-year-old man was charged with disorderly behaviour, escaping custody, and possession of cannabis.

"The man pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 50 hours community work."