A failed ram-raid on a Northland supermarket — followed by a 70km police pursuit and the discovery of a discarded sawn-off shotgun — has led to several charges for a 14-year-old boy.
Police responded after 2.40am on Friday following a burglary reported at a store on Memorial Ave in Kaikohe.
Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong said the vehicle allegedly reversed into the supermarket before one of the offenders got out of the vehicle.
"The offender attempted to break the glass but was unable to gain entry," he said.
"When he noticed a security guard watching, he jumped back in the vehicle and fled the scene."
Police were determined the vehicle involved was stolen thanks to a witness, with officers then finding it being driven through Kaikohe.
"Officers signalled for the vehicle to stop, but it failed to do so and continued travelling at unsafe speeds," Armstrong said.
Police tracked the vehicle's movements from a distance as it went 70km south towards Dargaville, where the vehicle came to a stop.
Armstrong said the driver ran from the vehicle while the passenger attempted to flee but was caught by officers.
"On talking to the passenger, police became aware that a sawn-off shotgun had been thrown from the vehicle during its travels," he said.
"Information was relayed to colleagues further north, and police quickly retrieved the firearm from the roadside near Kaikohe."
A 14-year-old boy appeared in the Whangārei Youth Court today, charged with burglary, intentional damage, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
Armstrong said police were looking for the other offender.
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105.
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