A man is in custody after a series of violent events in Auckland’s Epsom this morning – in which a woman was assaulted, three teenage cyclists injured and a dog killed.
The cyclists had been taken to Auckland City Hospital with critical, serious and moderate injuries.
A woman was assaulted, three teenage cyclists injured and a dog killed in a morning rampage. (Source: 1News)
Speaking to media this afternoon, police Superintendent Sunny Patel confirmed all three cyclists were teenage boys from Auckland Grammar School who were part of a cycling club "doing something they enjoyed".
Patel said parents had been advised of the incident, and added the boy who was in critical condition was undergoing surgery.
"These are life-altering events."
Watch: Moment man is arrested following violent rampage in Epsom - Watch on TVNZ+
Dramatic footage of arrest in Manukau Rd
Several cyclists were injured, a woman was attacked and a dog killed during an incident on Manukau Rd. Video: Andre Ripa (Source: Other)
Patel said CCTV vision appeared to show the driver deliberately veering into the cyclists.
Police said officers were first called to the intersection of Ranfurly Rd and Manukau Rd at about 7.05am to reports of a serious assault.
Acting Detective Inspector Craig Bolton said a man had approached a female victim and without warning assaulted her, causing bruising to her face, head and upper body.
He said a member of the public stopped to assist the victim before the offender stole the Good Samaritan’s vehicle.
“The offender then fled in the stolen vehicle, hitting several vehicles before striking three cyclists who were riding on Manukau Rd,” Bolton said.
Police said after the vehicle crashed at a petrol station, the offender got out and approached another member of the public who was walking her dogs.
One man was in custody following the incident which injured five others. (Source: 1News)
“The offender subjected one of the dogs to a violent assault, and sadly the dog died at the scene.
“This has all taken place in full view of the public going about their morning commute.”
Fourteen serious charges to be laid
Police located the man on Manukau Rd and he was arrested.
Police said 14 charges would be laid against the 49-year-old, who was under guard at Auckland City Hospital.
He was expected to be charged later today with: two charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; two charges of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; two counts of assault with a weapon, two charges of failing to stop and ascertain injury; wilful ill treatment of an animal; two counts of dangerous driving; unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; attempted unlawful taking; and aggravated assault or resisting.
He was expected to appear in court tomorrow.
Bolton said this was an “incredibly violent event” which “unfolded very quickly”.
“We acknowledge it has impacted many innocent people who were just going about their mornings.
"Police are aware many people witnessed this incident, and we are appealing to the public for information and dashcam footage to come forward.”
Patel said the accused was not wearing pants when he was arrested, and he was tasered as he was trying to strangle the dog.
Police said he was apprehended within eight minutes of being called.
School 'devastated'
Auckland Grammar School said it was devastated by the incident, "which resulted in three of our students being struck by a vehicle and hospitalised following cycling training".
"Our immediate priority is the health, safety, and well-being of the affected students and their families.
"We are also ensuring that counselling and support services are made available to members of our wider school community who have been impacted by this incident.
"We are cooperating fully with the New Zealand Police as they conduct their ongoing investigation into the incident.
"Our thoughts are with the boys and families affected. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be making any further comment at this time."
Witness describes incident
Earlier, a worker at TasmanFuels said he heard a loud crash as a car rammed into another in the forecourt.
Manthan Patel told 1News a man wearing just a t-shirt got out of the vehicle and tried to steal another car, but it didn’t start.
He said the man was extremely agitated and as he called 111, other drivers ran into the fuel shop for safety.
The man then ran across Manukau Rd and started violently attacking a woman’s dog. He said the dog was killed.
A huge swarm of police arrived “very fast” and arrested the man.
ACT Party leader David Seymour, who is the MP for Epsom, said his thoughts were with those affected.
"I will leave for police to communicate details of the incident, but there is no further danger since the one offender is in custody."
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