A Whangārei man suffering a suspected heart attack was taken to hospital by police after officers pulled him over while searching for another person.
Police said officers observed a vehicle weaving across Western Hills Dr shortly after 11am on Monday while looking for a wanted individual.
Senior Sergeant Rene Rakete said officers pulled the vehicle over but quickly realised the driver was not who they were looking for.
“The driver was clearly in distress, he was sweating and experiencing severe chest pains, which was making it difficult for him to control the vehicle.”
He told officers he was trying to get to the hospital for medical assistance, Rakete said.
"Our officers quickly transferred the man into their police vehicle and took him to the Emergency Department under red and blue lights.
"We assisted in getting him to hospital quicker and safer."
Rakete said officers helped ensure he was seen quickly on arrival at the hospital.
"Once the man was in the safe hands of hospital staff, the officers returned to his vehicle and drove it to the hospital so it would be there for him when he was discharged.
"This man was in the right place at the right time and was able to get the urgent medical care he needed."
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