Four men have been arrested after a stolen ute was driven at high speeds, rammed police cars and crashed into vehicles during a dangerous pursuit from the scene of a home invasion in Auckland’s east into the city centre.
Superintendent Shanan Gray said officers were called to reports of an aggravated burglary at a property on Bleakhouse Rd in Howick around 3.10pm on Tuesday.
A stolen ute rammed police cars and collided with vehicles during a dangerous chase from Howick to the CBD after an armed home invasion. (Source: 1News)
The offenders were reported to be armed with a machete and fled the scene in a Ford Ranger stolen from the address. A woman at the address told 1News her husband was home at the time of the incident and that it was "very scary".
A short time later the vehicle was spotted heading towards East Tāmaki.
Eagle tracked the ute as it was driven dangerously through Ōtara and Manukau before entering the Southern Motorway and continuing towards central Auckland.
Police said the vehicle was seen travelling at high speeds and repeatedly crossing onto the wrong side of the road, posing a serious risk to the public.
“Through the course of the incident, the vehicle was involved in several collisions with vehicles belonging to members of the public,” Gray said.
"Police vehicles were rammed on more than one occasion."
He said the armed offenders squad was deployed "given the risk posed" and pursued the vehicle on Queen St, carrying out a vehicle stop on Karangahape Rd and taking all four occupants into custody.
Police deployed a range of tactics including a distraction device, a non-lethal sponge round and a police dog.
St John said it responded with an ambulance, a rapid response unit and an operations manager.
"One patient, in moderate condition, has been transported to hospital. Three additional patients, all in minor condition, were assessed at the scene," a spokesperson said.
Auckland Transport said several bus services had been detoured, including routes 18, 195, 209, 11T, 11W, 105, WX1, 866 and 966.
Routes 11T, 11W, 18 and 209 were detouring via Vincent St, while Route 105 was diverting through Ponsonby Rd and Vincent St.
Stops along Karangahape Rd, Ponsonby Rd and Hopetoun St wereare being skipped, including those near Karanga‑a‑Hape Station, the YMCA and Rainbow Bridge.
Police were now seeking to hear from anyone who may have been affected during the pursuit.
“Police are aware a number of people may have been victims of minor collisions or have been sideswiped by the offending vehicle," Gray said.
Anyone who believes their vehicle was damaged by a white Ford Ranger between 3.15pm and 4.30pm is asked to contact police on 105.
SHARE ME