A routine traffic stop near Tonga National University last Friday escalated into violence, leaving a police officer injured.
Tonga Police say an officer pulled over a light rigid truck in Kolomotu’a on March 21 after noticing the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Further checks revealed the vehicle was unregistered, and the driver had no valid license.
When instructed to exit the vehicle, the driver allegedly refused multiple times before reportedly attacking the officer. A struggle ensued on the roadside before the driver was arrested.
Both the driver and the injured officer were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Police later confirmed that in a separate incident, the same officer was assaulted by a bystander. “Regrettably, the police officer has been assaulted in a separate incident, having been targeted by a member of the public following this incident,” the statement read.
Authorities have launched a full investigation and urged the public to remain calm. “Tonga Police assure the public that a thorough police investigation is underway.”
The police are calling for cooperation as the investigation continues.
