A Wanganui man was last night assaulted by two teenagers who attempted to steal his car when he took them for a drive in order to get them out of his house, say police.
The teenagers, aged 16 and 17, had been causing trouble in the man's home so he said he would drive them somewhere else, to get rid of them, Sergeant Shaun Jones told NZPA.
But they started demanding that he drive them all over town so he pulled over on Sergeant Street, where they allegedly assaulted him.
The man escaped and phoned police about 9.30pm, while the youths attempted to steal his car, he said.
But it had a kill switch fitted so they were unable to get far, Sergeant Jones said.
The teenagers were tracked down by a police dog handler and arrested a short time later.
They will appear in Wanganui Youth Court this morning facing aggravated assault charges.
The man did not require medical treatment.
NZPA