CONSTABLE’S BRAVERY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 8, 20 December 1933, Page 11

CONSTABLE’S BRAVERY

HURT CHASING CAR THIEF. RECOVERY IN HOSPITAL, Constable E. E. Stewart, of the Newton police force, who was seriously injured late on the evening 01 September 19 while attempting to capture the driver of a stolen motor-car, left the Auckland Hospital yesterday. He has made an excellent recovery from his injuries, which included a compound fracture of the right leg, a broken thumb and painful abrasions, but will require further rest before resuming active duty. The circumstances of the case caused New Zealand-wide interest in the crime of converting motor-cars to unlawful use. Constable Stewart saw a stolen car travelling past him at Grey Lynn and he gave chase in a taxicab, leaping onto the running-board of the stolen vehicle. The thief made a desperate and successful effort to escape, the car crashing into a stationary vehicle in Williamson Avenue at 60 miles an hour. The constable was thrown 30 yards. Substantial grants made available by motorists’ organisations throughout the Dominion were later handed to the constable in recognition of hi s bravery, and the North Island Motor Union urged the Government to provide heavier penalties for the conversion of motor-cars, basing its protest on the case of the injured constable. Ever since the incident the police have worked tirelessly to trace the driver of the stolen car, and inquiries are still being made under the direction of Detective-Sergeant A. G. McHugh. While a great amount of work has been done systematically without success, the investigation is to be continued.