A 25-year-old man has been arrested after a dramatic attempt to escape police for 12km across west Auckland this morning — crashing into one car and speeding through roadworks.
His desperate dash was in vain as he was tracked from the air throughout by a police helicopter.
Inspector Aron McKeown said police were making inquiries at around 10.20am this morning at an address in Massey, seeking a male for a series of alleged burglaries and vehicle crime in west Auckland during recent months.
"The male left the address in his vehicle and Eagle was soon overhead to provide commentary to police units on the ground."
Soon after, the vehicle crashed into a member of the public's car before taking off at speed.
McKeown said police did not pursue, instead providing assistance to the uninjured driver of the car.
"Eagle maintained observations on the vehicle’s movements as it travelled through Waitematā West, entering State Highway 18 towards Albany.
“The vehicle was sighted travelling at dangerous speeds and forcing its way through roadworks."
The fleeing vehicle was spiked by police shortly after at Riverhead and the driver was taken into custody "without further incident".
Police were speaking with the driver and charges were likely, said McKeown.
"This was a concerning incident, which saw members of the public repeatedly be put at risk by the actions of one person.
“We hope the arrest brings reassurance to the west Auckland community."
'Run out of fuel'
It was the second fleeing driver incident within 24 hours for Auckland police.
On Tuesday night, around 7.30pm, a 36-year-old man approached a staff member at an Epsom car dealership, taking their keys to a vehicle.
Senior Sergeant Andrew Hawkins said police were able to track the vehicle using motorway cameras.
"Working with the Joint Traffic Operating Centre, we were able to observe its movements heading north along State Highway One and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge."
Again in this instance, the decision was made to not pursue the vehicle due to the dangerous manner of driving.
Hawkins said the vehicle exited the motorway at Onewa Rd where the Eagle helicopter began to follow its movements.
"The vehicle continued to be observed travelling at excessive and dangerous speed heading north."
As the driver neared Silverdale, Hawkins said the vehicle slowed down "dramatically", pulling up on the shoulder of the motorway and coming to a stop.
"It had run out of fuel.
"Our staff were able to swoop in and take the driver into custody without further incident."
The driver was due to appear in the North Shore District Court today on charges including vehicle theft, driving with an excess breath alcohol limit and operating a motor vehicle recklessly.
Police were "pleased" the driver was off the road and no longer putting people in danger, Hawkins said.
"His reckless actions last night could have led to a serious crash, injury, or worse."
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