As stated by Inspector Daniel Meade:
One person has been arrested following a fleeing driver incident that ended on the South-Western Motorway this morning.
A stolen SUV was earlier sighted on Richard Pearse Drive at around 9.05am and was signalled to stop, however the driver took off at speed.
It was later sighted in the Manurewa area when reports were made to Police about the vehicle entering the Southern Motorway (SH1) going in the wrong direction near Hill Road.
Police began observing the vehicle's movements and it was seen travelling onto the South-Western Motorway (SH20) before colliding with a truck near the Plunkett Road overbridge.
The driver exited and forcibly stole a hatchback that had come to a stop near the crash. The driver did not sustain injuries, but is understandably shaken.
By this time the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and was monitoring this vehicle's movements from above.
Police observed this vehicle travelling around the Māngere area at speed and spikes were successfully deployed.
The vehicle re-entered SH20 in the wrong direction on Coronation Road, narrowly avoiding other motorists. One other vehicle did sustain minor damage.
On one occasion the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to approach another vehicle but it drove off.
The driver was soon taken into custody as Police blocked the vehicle in near the Walmsley Road overbridge.
It is incredibly fortunate no member of the public was seriously injured as a result of the driver's reckless actions this morning.
Police are working to clear the scene and there has been some impact on travel on northbound lanes. We would like to acknowledge motorists' understanding as we responded to this incident.
The 27-year-old offender is now in Police custody and will be facing charges.
