Five Tribesmen gang members were arrested after being observed driving dangerously across South Auckland last night.
The arrests followed a high-speed chase that involved reckless driving and the use of the police Eagle helicopter.
The incident began around 6 p.m. on Thursday when police spotted a group of gang members speeding along State Highway 1 near Pōkeno. Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager, Inspector Tony Wakelin, described their behaviour as “intimidating” and dangerous to other road users.
“They were driving dangerously at high speeds and intimidating other road users with their reckless behaviour,” Wakelin said.
Police ground units, aided by the Eagle helicopter, tracked the group as they exited the motorway at East Tāmaki Road.
Despite attempts to intercept the riders, they fled towards Ōtara, running a red light and traveling at speeds over twice the legal limit.
The Eagle helicopter followed the gang members to a residence on Berrett Place, where police were able to identify some of the motorbikes and individuals involved in the earlier offenses.
Three patched gang members, aged 24, 28, and 38, have been charged with failing to stop and dangerous driving. They are set to appear in the Manukau District Court at a later date.
Additionally, two youths at the scene were arrested for breaching bail conditions and obstructing police. Six motorbikes were impounded and will remain off the road for six months.
Inspector Wakelin praised the coordinated effort of the police in managing what could have been a volatile situation, adding that further investigations are underway to locate the other motorbikes and riders involved.
“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,” Wakelin said.
