A Stupid Attempt to Impress: A Man's Ill-Fated Decision to Set Fire to a Police Station

On a cold December morning in 2024, a man named Zayne Gordon made a decision that would change his life forever. In a bizarre and reckless attempt to impress a woman, Gordon tried to set the Kaikohe Police Station on fire using a makeshift Molotov cocktail. His actions, which were caught on CCTV, have now led to a two-year and three-month jail sentence.

Gordon, 31, appeared in the Whangārei District Court today for sentencing on charges of attempted arson, strangulation, and driving while disqualified. The incident, which took place around 3:15 a.m. on December 12, 2024, involved Gordon placing a Just Juice bottle filled with tissue paper at the front door of the police station. He then lit the tissue on fire, causing the bottle to explode and leave black char on the building’s entrance.

Throughout the incident, Gordon was recording the event on his phone, speaking to someone off-camera. When he was arrested, he claimed that the act was not a direct attack on the police but rather an attempt to impress a woman. His actions, however, were met with strong condemnation from the court.

Judge Gene Tomlinson delivered a blunt message during sentencing, stating, “Any woman who's impressed by you burning a police station isn't worth impressing.” The judge described Gordon’s actions as “foolish and childish,” comparing them to something a teenager might do with fireworks.

Gordon's criminal history includes multiple charges, including driving while disqualified, which he was on bail for in 2022. During his time on bail, he reportedly visited his ex-partner’s house and attempted to strangle her, leaving her struggling for breath. He was placed on bail again but missed two judge-alone trials, during which he was on meth.

Crown lawyer Danica Soich revealed that Gordon’s meth use began at the age of 15, introduced by his mother. She argued that his addiction played a significant role in his poor decision-making and that his actions put police officers at risk and could have hindered their ability to respond to other emergencies in the community.

Gordon’s defense lawyer, Martin Hislop, argued for a sentence of rehabilitation at the Grace Foundation. However, Soich countered that Gordon’s addiction was too severe for such a sentence. The judge ultimately ruled that Gordon’s actions were not only reckless but also a direct threat to public safety.

The court file listed nearly 30 hearings, including two judge-alone trials that Gordon failed to attend, along with repeated bail breaches and multiple arrest warrants. The judge acknowledged that the risk to life was momentary but emphasized the seriousness of targeting a police station.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of making poor decisions under the influence of drugs and the dangers of using violence or criminal acts to impress others. Gordon’s actions, while seemingly impulsive, have had lasting legal and personal repercussions for him and those around him.

*This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald.