A man is accused of swimming out from Ōrewa Beach, pictured, to evade police. File photo. Photo: Rafael Ben-Ari / 123RF
A man allegedly swam out to sea in a futile bid to avoid being arrested.
Police said the incident unfolded about 6.50pm Thursday after a vehicle was spotted driving in a dangerous manner along Marine Parade in Auckland's Ōrewa.
Officers signalled for the driver to stop, but he fled at speed, Waitematā North Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Roger Small said.
"Units quickly abandoned the pursuit while another nearby patrol unit observed the vehicle as it drove onto Ōrewa Beach.
"The driver has then got out of the car and run into the water, swimming quite a distance offshore."
Crew in the police Eagle helicopter kept an eye on the driver while officers hopped into a boat owned by the the Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club, Small said.
Two club members then steered out to the man.
"Staff managed to take the male into custody after a 30 minute impasse," Small said.
A 36-year-old man was charged with failing to stop, driving while disqualified and reckless driving.
He was due to appear in the North Shore District Court on Friday.