One dead after fleeing police

A fatal crash investigation on Boandary Road, Otara. Photo / SNPA / Grahame Clark

Passenger in fleeing vehicle dies after driver tries to get away from police

One person is dead and another in hospital after the driver of a car fled when police signalled him to stop in Otara on Friday night.

Police say the incident occurred shortly before 10pm Friday night.

The deceased, a 28-year-old man, was a passenger in the vehicle that was highlighted to Police who were conducting an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation on Puhinui Rd moments before the car crashed into another then flipped, on Boundary Rd in Otara trapping its two occupants.

The drivers of both cars - the member of the public and the fleeing driver - were hospitalised for treatment.

Superintendent John Tims of Counties/Manukau Police said the senseless tragedy could have been prevented had the driver of the car chosen to stop when signalled to do so, instead of choosing to flee from Police.

"What we have now is one family coming to grips with the loss of a loved one and another sitting bedside in the hope their loved one will recover from critical injuries.

"As a matter of course, the matter has been referred to the IPCA.

A criminal investigation which will be overseen by an independent Police investigator has been commenced.

The police will also carry out a practise and policy review".