A wanted man with more than 20 arrest warrants was in custody this morning after a vehicle fled from police across Auckland during the morning commute.
Officers at Auckland Airport noticed a vehicle of interest just before 8am and approached it to speak with the occupants.
The vehicle left at “high speed”, according to Acting Inspector Tim Williams.
The officers decided not to pursue the vehicle, which the Eagle helicopter had spotted travelling at speed along State Highway 20.
Williams said the vehicle continued to the city’s North Shore, where it went into an underground carpark.
“It’s believed passengers were dropped off,” he said.
After this, the vehicle continued to drive dangerously, overtaking other cars, running red lights, and driving on the footpath.
The tyres were spiked on Wairau Rd in Totara Vale but the vehicle continued until eventually crashing into a member of the public’s vehicle.
“It’s incredibly lucky no one was injured, and the damage was minor,” Williams said.
Armed units, including the dog squad, took the driver into custody.
A 38-year-old man would appear in the North Shore District Court tomorrow, facing several charges, including aggravated failing to stop, dangerous driving, assault with a blunt instrument, and possession of methamphetamine.
Williams said police would be opposing the man’s bail.
“Other road users should not expect to have their safety put at risk like it was this morning during peak hour traffic, it’s completely unacceptable,” he said.
“Great teamwork and a coordinated approach led to this man being apprehended and held to account for his behaviour.”
