A 31-year-old man has been arrested after a dramatic early-morning incident in Auckland, which saw him evade police before eventually being stopped.
The incident began at 3:25 a.m. when police attempted to stop an SUV on St Lukes Road in Mt Albert due to the manner in which it was being driven. According to Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, the driver failed to stop and instead sped away.
While police did not engage in a pursuit, the Eagle helicopter tracked the SUV as it headed towards west Auckland. Police successfully deployed spikes, damaging the vehicle’s tires, but the driver continued on the motorway network towards the central city, driving on the rims.
The chase ended on the Southern Motorway near Princes Street, Ōtāhuhu, just before 5:30 a.m. when the vehicle came to a stop. Police arrested the driver and also took a female passenger into custody.
Inspector Robertson confirmed the man will face charges of reckless driving and failing to stop, alongside existing warrants for his arrest. “His actions put the community in harm’s way, and it’s fortunate that this matter could be resolved safely,” she said.
The female passenger has since been released without charge. Police are continuing their investigation into the vehicle, and further charges may be laid. The man is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court later today.
