A pursuit in Auckland this morning ended when an allegedly stolen vehicle ground to a halt “with disintegrating tyres” after being spiked.
Police in South Auckland were deployed after the vehicle was spotted travelling through Ōtara just after 4am.
“The Police Eagle helicopter was quickly deployed to the area,” police said.
“Eagle soon located the vehicle in East Tāmaki.”
Inspector Rakana Cook said the helicopter’s crew provided commentary of the vehicle’s location to officers on the ground.
“The driver decided to flee police at speed, driving dangerously.
“Police were able to successfully deploy tyre spikes on several occasions, and the vehicle was then driven around the Botany Town Centre with disintegrating tyres,” Cook said.
The vehicle’s front tyres were completely blown out by police spikes. (Source: 1News)
“The vehicle soon lost all traction due the loss of both front tyres and came to a stop in Pakuranga.”
The sole occupant got out and fled on foot, police said, before they were taken into custody and referred to Youth Aid.
“We won’t tolerate this type of reckless behaviour on our roads.
“If you chose to participate in this type of offending, we will catch up with you and hold you to account.”
Two incidents in one night
There was another incident involving an allegedly stolen car in South Auckland earlier last night.
A stolen car was spotted in Ōtāhuhu just after 9pm, police said.
The Eagle helicopter was deployed for this incident as well.
“We did not pursue, but Eagle provided commentary of the vehicle’s travels as it was driven to an address on Nikau Rd.
“The occupants exited the vehicle, and our staff were able to approach the address undetected and quickly took the driver and passenger into custody without further incident,” said Inspector Gaylene Rice.
A 20-year-old man is set to appear in court over the incident, charged with stealing a motor vehicle.
“This was good teamwork from all police resources involved with the driver being put before the Court.”
