A 33-year-old man identified as a patched King Cobra gang member is facing serious firearms and drugs charges after inadvertently spiking his own vehicle this morning.
Police recovered a modified pistol and ammunition, along with methamphetamine.
The incident began at 3am, area commander for Counties Manukau South inspector Joe Hunter said a unit was responding to an unrelated stolen vehicle in the area.
"The unit was laying pre-emptive spikes, when a late model vehicle was seen travelling at high speed along the road.
"Given the excessive speed, it ran over the spikes and carried on towards Papakura."
Police said the Eagle helicopter was in the area at the time and responded.
Hunter said the helicopter located the vehicle parked on Cargill St, with occupants walking away.
"The alleged driver was identified, and our staff spoke with him, advising him he was under arrest."
It was then that the man ran off into a nearby address, according to police.
Additional officers arrived on scene, entered the address and a man was taken into custody without further incident.
"A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a number of items of interest including a modified pistol and ammunition," said Hunter.
Police said the man was in breach of bail conditions and facing numerous new charges in the Papakura District Court.
These included two charges of unlawfully carrying a firearm and ammunition, along with possession for supply of methamphetamine and dangerous driving.
He has also been charged with escaping from police custody.
“It is always pleasing when we remove firearms out of circulation in our communities," Hunter said. "These enable unlawful activity and puts everyone at risk."
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