A man has suffered serious injuries after being hit by a police car at the conclusion of a high-speed car chase through Auckland this morning.
Police said the incident started just before 5am on Gillies Ave in Epsom, when the man unsuccessfully attempted to steal a vehicle by allegedly pulling a gun at a driver.
“After the failed attempt, the offender has then got into another stolen vehicle and left the area.
The incident caused major commuter disruption, 1News' Simon Mercep reports. (Source: 1News)
“By this time Eagle had responded to the area and located the vehicle, monitoring it travelling to an address on Cedar Heights Avenue, Massey," Superintendent Naila Hassan said.
At the property the offender tried to evade the Eagle but was seen getting into another vehicle.
Police then chased the man, who allegedly drove this vehicle "at speed" onto the motorway at Royal Rd.
Spikes were deployed on the on-ramp. The man travelled at speed and exited the motorway at Lincoln Rd.
At this point he had allegedly driven at two members of the public, attempting to steal their vehicles.
Hassan said police arrived at the same time and a patrol vehicle collided with the offender.
Police confirmed to 1News the man was on foot when struck by the vehicle.
“He is being taken to Auckland Hospital with serious injuries and an investigation is now underway into what has occurred.
The police Eagle helicopter is circling the Lincoln Rd area, while staff at nearby businesses have been told to stay inside. (Source: Breakfast)
“I would like to acknowledge our staff who have brought an increasingly volatile situation to a conclusion this morning, without any further harm inflicted on the wider community," Hassan said.
Police found a firearm inside the stolen vehicle the offender had been travelling in from Epsom.
Hassan says several investigations into the incident will be underway.
“Police anticipate charges will be laid against the 37-year-old man, who is under Police guard in hospital.
“As standard procedure in these instances, we have also notified the Independent Police Conduct Authority,” Hassan said.
Police said the road closures around the Lincoln Rd interchange are now lifting.
"Police acknowledge the disruption caused to motorists this morning and thank them for their cooperation while our inquiries were carried out at the scene."
SHARE ME