An Auckland man has been taken into custody after a dangerous early-morning rampage that saw him flee police, drive at excessive speeds across the city, and attempt to carjack two motorists.
Police say the incident began shortly before 3am when a hatchback drew attention in Papatoetoe due to its manner of driving. A patrol attempted to stop the vehicle on Allenby Road, but the driver allegedly fled at high speed. Officers did not pursue, instead relying on camera operators who tracked the car as it moved through the Clover Park area, while the Eagle helicopter was dispatched.
Eagle continued tracking the vehicle as it sped toward the South-Western Motorway and then towards Auckland Airport, before heading north toward the central city. Police deployed spikes near Mt Eden, bringing the car to a stop.
Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey says the driver got out and tried to carjack a passing vehicle. “Fortunately, the driver was able to reverse to safety, forcing the man to run back to his vehicle,” he said.
The man allegedly continued driving until reaching Khyber Pass Road, where he again stopped and attempted to force another motorist from their vehicle. Officers arrived quickly and arrested him before anyone was seriously harmed.
A search of the suspect’s hatchback uncovered methamphetamine paraphernalia and a bat. The 33-year-old now faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault with intent to rob, possession of an offensive weapon, dangerous driving, driving while suspended and failing to stop.
“There was every potential this man’s actions could have resulted in someone being seriously hurt,” Albrey said. “Our staff have worked hard this morning to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
The man is scheduled to appear in Manukau District Court today.
Image credit: Scott Rodgerson
Its great to see criminals being arrested, Mark Mitchell appears to be doing a great job.
I unfortunately can’t see the cerebrally challenged Nicola Willis is doing anything good for Kiwis.
Willis has been told by various market studies the Aussie banking cartel is holding the NZ economy to ransom. Willis knows the government needs to beef up their banking regulatory body to monitor and punish anti.competitive bank behavior holding Kiwis and their economy back.
So what does Wilis do?
Why, she asks the banks nicely to pass on interest rate cuts.
And guess which other minister is responsible for fixing the obscene profits aussie banks make in NZ.
The Aussie insurance cartel bribe taking Scott Simpson.
No wonder so many quality Kiwis are leaving.
Luxon must be feeling proud his tenure has increased Kiwis cost of living whilst keeping real wages low.
Luxon promoting and maintaining the dishonest, kiwi robbing, trio of bribe taking Aussie cartel sympathizers: Willis, Simpson, and Watts, continues to ruin Kiwis livelihoods and lives!