A Taranaki man is facing charges after a night rampage that culminated in him biting a police dog.
The 33-year-old allegedly crashed his vehicle into several parked cars in Bell Block between 9:30pm and 10:30pm on Monday.
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When the vehicle would no longer work, he then broke into a nearby property and demanded the occupant give him their car keys. He stole their vehicle and crashed it into more parked cars.
Undeterred, he abandoned the stolen vehicle and approached two different properties on Parkland Ave, demanding those occupants also turn over their car keys.
Police tracked him down a short time later, but he fled the scene. When a police dog located the man he fought with the animal, slamming it into the ground and a concrete wall. He also bit the dog on its head.
Detective Sergeant Gerard Bouterey says the dog is recovering well after the attack.
"He's now at home with his handler and is not expected to suffer any long-term side effects."
The man was also injured in the scuffle and was taken to hospital.
He was due to appear in New Plymouth District Court on Tuesday on a number of driving, dishonesty and violence charges, but a police statement indicates he failed to show up.
Police are now appealing for any information about Monday night's events.
"There were a number of people who contacted Police at the time of these events, but any further witnesses are urged to come forward," Det Sgt Bouterey says.
"Also, anyone who may have found discarded items on their property or had their vehicle damaged should contact New Plymouth Police on (06) 759 5500."
Anyone with information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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