Four people forced their way into a Takapuna shop then rammed a police car early this morning. Photo: 123rf
Staff at a shop in Takapuna had to barricade themselves in a back room as four people in balaclavas forced their way in to rob it on Friday morning.
When the four fled the shop, they got into a car which then rammed a police vehicle, beforing taking off over the Auckland Harbour Bridge with police in pursuit.
They were finally caught after crashing into a tree in Greenlane.
Police say a 42-year-old man and a 17-year-old will appear in North Shore District Court on Friday charged with burglary.
Two teenagers, aged 15 and 14, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.
Police say the incident began about 1.35am when four people broke into a store on Barry's Point Road. They took some items and cash.
Detective Sergeant Mark Wardlaw, Waitematā CIB, said staff barricaded themselves into a back room.
"As the offenders were leaving the store, Police units have arrived and the offending vehicle has allegedly driven into one of the Police cars.
"Fortunately no one was injured."
He said the offenders sped off with police in pursuit, but the chase was called off in central Auckland because of the dangerous driving.
"(Police helicopter) Eagle was able to track the vehicle until it collided with a tree on Atarangi Road, Greenlane, where the driver has fled but quickly been taken into custody by the Delta dog unit.
"Three passengers had fled prior to the vehicle crashing and all were located and arrested without incident."