Two men were arrested in Auckland this morning after driving an allegedly stolen vehicle all the way from Matamata after it initially failed to stop for police in Mount Maunganui.
The reportedly stolen vehicle was spotted in the Mount Maunganui area earlier and failed to stop for a police unit.
Offices chose not to pursue the vehicle at the time, but it was soon seen again on State Highway 27 near Matamata at 3.44am.
“The vehicle was signalled to stop but fled and was not pursued,” police said.
Police could not confirm if it was the same diver behind the wheel when it was seen in Mount Maunganui.
As the vehicle travelled north to Auckland, it was spiked and followed by the Eagle helicopter.
The vehicle was monitored from the Bombay Hills.
“The vehicle continued to travel north on State Highway 1, before moving onto State Highway 20.”
Just before 5.30am, the vehicle eventually stopped on the motorway near the Puhinui Road offramp.
The 29-year-old driver and a 17-year-old passenger were both taken into custody “without further incident”.
Police said charges were being considered.
“As the incident concluded on the motorway, there was some disruption to morning commuters’ travel as the scene was cleared,” police said.
“Police would like to thank members of the public for their patience and cooperation this morning as we responded to this incident.”
