A man faces serious charges after an alleged spree of offending which ended in him driving dangerously on part of Auckland's motorway network.
On Tuesday afternoon, Counties Manukau West Police began enquiries into an assault and unlawful taking of a vehicle from a residential address in Māngere.
"Just before 2pm, the victim was assaulted at his home and had his vehicle stolen by a sole male offender," Counties Manukau West Area Commander, Inspector Dave Christoffersen says.
"Later in the evening, Police received additional information this vehicle was located at a Papakura address and that a firearm may now be in the vehicle."
This vehicle left the area and was sighted by a unit on Mahia Road in Manurewa.
Inspector Christoffersen says staff soon formulated a plan, and the Police Eagle helicopter deployed to the area.
"Police observed this vehicle leaving the area at high speed, heading south towards Drury.
"Our staff successfully deployed spikes and a pursuit was initiated, as the vehicle was travelling at low speed through back through Papakura."
Concerningly, the offender then made the decision to enter the motorway network against the flow of traffic at Takanini.
"With the tyres deflated, at one point he unsuccessfully attempted to take another person's vehicle, before continuing to drive dangerously against the flow of traffic."
Several minor vehicle collisions have also occurred with members of the public.
"Realising the risk to others, A Police unit took decisive action and used their vehicle to push the offender's vehicle clear of live lanes and back onto the off-ramp," Inspector Christoffersen says.
"The offender fled on foot to a nearby commercial yard off Spartan Road.
"Our staff cordoned the area, with Eagle continuing to observe overhead throughout."
Police eventually were able to enter the compound, deploying a Police dog and arresting the 34-year-old man.
He has sustained minor injuries as a result and was taken to Middlemore Hospital.
Inspector Christoffersen says the man is under Police guard ahead of a bedside court hearing today.
The 34-year-old has been charged with wounding with serious offending including:
- Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Assault with a blunt instrument
- Unlawfully taking a motor vehicle
- Burglary
- Reckless driving
- Failing to stop
"It's only by good fortune that this man's reckless actions did not result in death or serious injury last night," Inspector Christoffersen says.
"I would like to acknowledge our staff who attended, taking affirmative action in order to prevent any further harm or risk to the public."
