Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Inspector Mark Miller, Taranaki Area Commander:
Police have arrested one person after investigating an assault in New Plymouth.
Around 7am on Tuesday 29 September, a man walking on the Coastal Walkway was assaulted by a motorcycle rider.
The victim was pushed onto nearby rocks and suffered serious injuries.
The offender was also aggressive to members of the public who witnessed the incident before speeding off.
When Police arrived on scene, the victim was bleeding and in pain.
Attending ambulance transported him to hospital.
The victim has been shaken from the incident but is expected to recover from their injuries.
Police were able to identify the offender though good descriptions provided by witnesses and he was arrested.
The distinctive motorcycle he was riding during the assault has been impounded for 10 days.
A 17-year-old youth was charged with wounds with intent to cause injury and has been going through a youth justice process, next appearing in New Plymouth Youth Court on Monday 23 November.
The Coastal Walkway is a shared path for walkers and cyclists.
Motorcycles are not permitted to be ridden on the walkway, and we encourage everyone using the walkway to be considerate of others.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/14/youth-rider-charged-after-coastal-assault/