New Zealand / Auckland Region

Police swarm Auckland motorway off ramp over fleeing driver

2024-10-02T10:24:19+13:00

Photo: 123RF

Road spikes and the Eagle helicopter were used to stop a man accused of fleeing police this morning.

Police said the man would appear in court Wednesday charged with failing to stop and reckless driving, as well as unrelated arrest warrants.

They said an SUV was spotted on St Lukes Road in Mt Albert around 3.25am, and was signalled to stop due to "its manner of driving".

Auckland City West Area Commander Inspector Alisse Robertson said the driver accelerated away at speed.

The vehicle was monitored by helicopter as it fled towards West Auckland and spikes were successfully deployed.

It eventually stopped on the Southern Motorway in Ōtāhuhu shortly before 5.30am.

"His actions put the community in harm's way and it's fortunate that this matter could be resolved safely," Robertson said.

A 31-year-old man was taken into custody and would appear in Auckand District Court on Wednesday.

A female passenger was released without charge.

Shortly before 5am, RNZ reporters had seen more than 10 police vehicles blockading parts of State Highway 1, near Nelson Street and Gillies avenue.