Police use road spikes to stop fleeing gang member

Police say a Head Hunters gang member who failed to stop for officers will have to patch up his ride after his tyres were spiked not once but twice.

On May 25, police observed a Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicle travelling on Custom Street East in Auckland CBD and signalled for the vehicle to stop.

Senior sergeant Shaun Richardson, of Auckland City Police, says the vehicle failed to stop and instead fled.

“No pursuit was initiated however the police Eagle helicopter was quick to pick up the vehicle and track it as it travelled along the motorway and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.”

He says the vehicle continued through Northcote, Glenfield, Albany and Takapuna, despite being spiked on two separate occasions.

“Once the rubber tyres had disintegrated, the vehicle came to a stop on Esmonde Road and was blocked in by police.

“The driver was immediately taken into custody and a search of the vehicle subsequently located a quantity of methamphetamine.”

Richardson says the 27-year-old man will be charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, possession of utensils for methamphetamine, failing to stop and breach of release conditions.

“Along with appearing in court on a raft of charges, this man’s vehicle has also been impounded.

“I’m glad we could bring this to a safe conclusion and hold this person to account for their reckless actions.”