Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
An Auckland man has been arrested after allegedly driving a stolen car with false plates and attempting to attack a police dog with a garden trowel.
Police said the man fled after officers spotted a vehicle travelling on Motatau Road, Papatoetoe, with a false rear plate and no front plate.
Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey said they confirmed the car was stolen and stopped the vehicle shortly afterwards.
"Three occupants were taken into custody quickly, however a fourth occupant has fled on foot," Albrey said.
"Delta, the police dog unit, has tracked the person to a residential property where he has allegedly attempted to attack the dog with a garden trowel, which resulted in a bite to his upper arm."
A 26-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court on Monday charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle.
"Thankfully the dog was uninjured and we are pleased to have made an arrest on this matter," Albrey said.