Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A Wellington homeowner has been critically injured after interrupting a burglary overnight.
Police said the victim found a person on his property on Buckley Road in the suburb of Southgate at about 3.30am.
It appears he was attempting to restrain the intruder when he was injured.
The suspect fled on foot, but was tracked by the police dog team and arrested 20 minutes later.
The 18-year-old suspect received minor injuries from a dog bite and will appear in court tomorrow charged with a number of offences.
"This is a traumatic event and we are working closely with the man's wife and family," Inspector David Thornton said.
"While we have made an arrest, we realise this will also be unsettling for some in the area and officers will be conducting reassurance patrols over the coming days.
Police are looking for people in the area who may have CCTV footage.
"In particular, we believe the alleged suspect may have travelling in a Suzuki Swift, which was found parked across the road, still running."
The car appears to be stolen.
Police will remain in the area undertaking doing a scene examination, and will be canvassing the street to get more helpful information.