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Police have arrested a man after a high-speed dash across Auckland overnight, during which he allegedly attempted to carjack two motorists while fleeing officers.
The incident began just before 3am when the man’s hatchback came to Police attention in Papatoetoe due to the manner of its driving.
Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey, Counties Manukau West Response Manager, said a unit attempted to stop the vehicle on Allenby Road.
“The man allegedly fled from the unit at high speed and wasn’t pursued,” he said.
Camera operators tracked the vehicle through Clover Park while the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed overhead.
Eagle monitored the car as it travelled at excessive speed towards the South-Western Motorway, continuing toward Auckland Airport before heading north toward the city.
Police successfully spiked the vehicle near Mt Eden, bringing it to a stop. Albrey said the driver then tried to escalate his offending.
“He has continued his brazen offending, attempting to carjack a passing vehicle. Fortunately, the driver was able to reverse to safety, forcing the man to run back to his vehicle.”
The man continued driving until reaching Khyber Pass Road, where he allegedly attempted a second carjacking, forcing a driver out of their vehicle before Police converged and arrested him.
A search of the man’s hatchback uncovered methamphetamine paraphernalia and a bat.
The 33-year-old now faces a string of charges, including two counts of assault with intent to rob, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while suspended, dangerous driving and failing to stop.
“There was every potential this man’s actions could have resulted in someone being seriously hurt,” Albrey said.
“Our staff have worked hard this morning to bring this incident to a safe conclusion and taking the man into custody.”
He will appear in the Manukau District Court today.
