Knife Threat To Traffic Officer

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30126, 9 May 1963, Page 14

Knife Threat To Traffic Officer

WAIMATE, May 8. Two youths armed with •’vicious - looking knives" were encountered by Traffic Officer D. M. Weir, of Waimate, when be recovered a converted car in the Pareora area today. Four cars were reported stolen in the Fairlie and Tunaru areas today, but had been recovered tonight Mr Weir was on patrol at St Andrews when he received a message that one of

(From Out Own Reporter)

the missing ■ cars had been seen in the Southbum area. Accompanied by Mr J. Baker, a St Andrews resident, he set out in search and found the car partially hidden in the Pareora gorge. “There was a youth in the car and I decided to hold him until the police arrived,’’ Mr Weir said. “There were several knives in the car and I picked up one of them. At that moment another youth appeared from behind a tree. He w’as holding a viciouslooking knife, with which he threatened me.” Mr Weir had already been in communication with a police car only a few miles away, and with its arrival the two youths were taken in charge. Mr Weir and the Timaru police officers concerned, expressed their indebtedness to Mr Baker, for accompanying Mr Weir on his search. "This instance of valuable co-operation by a member of the public is an example to all citizens,” Mr Weir said. The incident had proved the value of the new highfrequency radio - telephone equipment. Mr Weir said. He had been in constant touch with the police car through its base. His messages to the Timaru police station had been relayed immediately to the police patrol.