Three police vehicles have been damaged and a man arrested after being spotted in a vehicle with mismatching plates, leading to an “erratic and dangerous” pursuit across Auckland.
Before 3pm, a blue Subaru was detected travelling towards the city on the Northwestern Motorway.
Inspector Kerry Watson said police staff tried to approach the blue Subaru at Western Springs a short time later.
“Instead, the driver took off from police at speed on Great North Rd towards Point Chevalier,” Watson said.
“Police have not pursued this vehicle, but the police Eagle helicopter continued to monitor this vehicle’s erratic and dangerous driving behaviour.”
Shortly after 3pm, at least 10 police vehicles could be seen descending on the Auckland CBD, with the Eagle helicopter overhead.
Police said the vehicle was driven across centralAuckland suburbs and the CBD, before heading towards Three Kings and eventually Onehunga.
“Spikes were successfully deployed on multiple occasions,” Watson said.
A video seen by the Herald shows at least 12 police cars pursuing a blue car through Onehunga. The person who took the video claimed the vehicle’s tyre had popped moments earlier.
The vehicle then entered the carpark at Dress Smart Onehunga shopping centre shortly after 3.30pm.
“Our staff blocked the vehicle in before taking the male driver into custody,” Watson said.
Three police vehicles have reportedly suffered damage in stopping the vehicle.
“Have just seen about 30 police cars, armed police running into the mall and mall carpark,” one person near Dress Smart Onehunga commented on Facebook.
Police said a man was now in custody and charges would follow .
A Dress Smart Auckland spokesperson confirmed the police chase ended in the centre’s carpark this afternoon.
“Police and security were on site immediately and no one involved in the chase entered the centre. The matter is now resolved.
“The safety of our staff and customers is our No 1 priority. All further inquiries need to be directed to NZ Police.”
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