A man has been arrested following an alleged road rage incident which saw several items – including alcohol containers and a hockey stick – thrown at another motorist on Auckland’s North Shore.
The man allegedly got into a verbal altercation with another driver in Glenfield just before 3pm on Thursday.
He then “followed the victim’s vehicle in his own car, throwing several items out of his window at the vehicle, including alcohol containers and a hockey stick, which damaged the vehicle”, Acting Senior Sergeant Andy Godsalve said.
“He continued to follow the victim’s vehicle for several kilometres, causing them much concern.”
The man then drove to a liquor store in Northcote, where he allegedly told a worker behind the counter that he was armed with a knife.
The man’s actions grew increasingly violent, Godsalve said.
“He picked up of bottle of alcohol and smashed it on the floor before allegedly stealing a further eight bottles of alcohol, worth over $400.”
Police were called to the scene, during which officers saw the man “pull a car jack tool from his pants and allegedly threaten the liquor store worker with it”.
The man was arrested as he left the store with the stolen alcohol.
He later blew an excess breath alcohol reading of three times over the legal limit.
“We won’t tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour on our roads or in our communities,” Godsalve said.
“The public has the right to feel safe, and I’m very happy the alleged offender will be held to account for his actions.”
A 22-year-old man appeared in the North Shore District Court yesterday charged with robbery, wilful damage, theft, threatening behaviour, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified, and driving with excess breath alcohol.
He is due to reappear on November 14.
