Police eventually arrested the 27-year-old offender near the Walmsley Road overbridge in Māngere. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A 27-year-old has been arrested after fleeing police in a stolen vehicle, and driving in the wrong direction on multiple Auckland motorways.
Police saw an SUV on Richard Pearse Drive in Māngere about 9.05am and signalled it to stop, however the driver took off at speed.
Inspector Daniel Meade said the SUV was later seen in the Manurewa area when officers received reports that it had entered SH1 going the wrong direction near Hill Road.
The SUV was then seen travelling onto SH20 before it collided with a truck near the Plunkett Road overbridge, he said.
The driver of the SUV exited the vehicle and then forcibly stole a hatchback that had come to a stop near the crash. The driver of the hatchback was not injured but was understandably shaken, said Inspector Meade.
He said the Police Eagle helicopter was then deployed and was monitoring the hatchback's movements from above.
The 27-year-old returned to the Māngere area at speed and police deployed spikes.
However, the driver re-entered SH20 in the wrong direction on Coronation Road, narrowly avoiding other motorists.
One other vehicle sustained minor damage, said Inspector Meade.
The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to approach another vehicle but it drove off.
Police blocked the car in near the Walmsley Road overbridge and the driver was soon taken into custody where they would be facing charges.
Inspector Meade said it was incredibly fortunate no member of the public was seriously injured as a result of the driver's reckless actions.
Police were working to clear the scene and there had been some impact on travel on northbound lanes, he said.