A wanted man with more than 20 warrants for his arrest has been taken into custody following a fleeing driver incident across Auckland this morning.
Just before 8am, Auckland Airport Police spotted a vehicle of interest and approached it to speak with the occupants.
Acting °Â²¹¾±³Ù±ð³¾²¹³Ù¨¡ East Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Tim Williams, says the vehicle then fled at high speed.
¡°Officers have elected not to pursue the vehicle and a short time later Eagle has observed it travelling at speed on State Highway 20.
¡°The driver has continued on through Auckland and into the North Shore, where it exited and briefly went into a nearly underground carpark where it¡¯s believed passengers were dropped off.¡±
Acting Inspector Williams says the vehicle continued driving dangerously, overtaking traffic, running red lights and driving on the footpath.
¡°At about 8.50am the vehicle was successfully spiked on Wairau Road, Totara Vale however, it has continued on driving in a dangerous manner and collided with another member of the public¡¯s vehicle.
¡°It¡¯s incredibly lucky no one was injured and the damage was minor.
¡°The tyres have then disintegrated and armed units, including Delta, have taken the man into custody.
¡° Other road users should not expect to have their safety put at risk like it was this morning during peak hour traffic, it¡¯s completely unacceptable.
¡°Great teamwork and a coordinated approach led to this man being apprehended and held to account for his behaviour.¡±
A 38-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court tomorrow facing a number of charges including aggravated failing to stop, dangerous driving, assault with a blunt instrument and possession of methamphetamine.
Police will be opposing the man¡¯s bail.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/51½ÖÉä