Five people were arrested and six motorcycles impounded, after a group of Tribesmen gang members allegedly sped through South Auckland last night, refusing to stop for police.
Police said they observed the group speeding on State Highway 1 near Pōkeno at around 6pm last night.
“They were driving dangerously at high speeds and intimidating over road users with their reckless behaviour,” Inspector Tony Wakelin said.
The Eagle helicopter was called and provided information to ground units, who intercepted the group while leaving the motorway at East Tāmaki Road.
Officers signalled for the riders to stop, but they refused and fled towards Ōtara travelling “well over the speed limit” and running a red light, Wakelin said.
Police said the Eagle followed the group to an address on Berrett Place, where officers forced entry to make inquiries.
Three patched members of the Tribesmen — aged 24, 28, and 38 — have been summonsed to appear in the Manukau District Court at a later date for failing to stop and dangerous driving.
Two youths at the address were arrested and charged with breaching bail conditions and obstructing police.
Six motorbikes were impounded, and would be off the road for six months.
“Further enquiries are continuing to locate the other motorbikes and riders involved,” Wakelin said.
“This was great work from Police staff to manage a potentially volatile situation and bring it to a safe and satisfying conclusion.
“Other road users should not expect to have their safety put at risk as it was last night. The behaviour of these gang members was completely unacceptable.”