Five teenagers arrested after fleeing driver incident through West Auckland

Five teens have been arrested following a dramatic drive across Auckland after an alleged car theft on Friday morning.

A group of young people allegedly stole a vehicle in Māngere Bridge around 3am before fleeing police across multiple suburbs.

The offenders in the stolen vehicle were seen driving along SH20 when police signalled for the driver to pull over.

Counties Manukau West Relieving Area Commander, Inspector Ross Ellwood, told the Herald the driver “fled the area at speed”, failing to pull over after police had signalled for the driver to stop.

The stolen vehicle was driven erratically around West Auckland at high speeds as the Eagle helicopter circled the offenders above.

An NZME photographer who witnessed the fleeing vehicle travel at speeds through Glen Eden said police were not in pursuit.

Two young people were arrested after the stolen vehicle came to a stop on Royal View Rd in Te Atatū South. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The incident came to a dramatic end after police successfully spiked the vehicle on Te Atatū Road before stopping a short time later on Royal View Road in Te Atatū.

In footage taken by an NZME photographer, the stolen vehicle was abandoned on the curb and suffered a burst left front tyre.

One male was quickly apprehended while a female ran into a nearby address before police staff moved in and arrested her.

“Five occupants were taken into custody by Police without further incident,” Inspector Ellwood said.

One alleged offender could be seen laughing as he was put into handcuffs by police.

Police arrested two youths following a fleeing driver incident across West Auckland overnight. 23 February 2024. New Zealand Herald Photograph by Hayden Woodward

Police said a 19-year-old female was charged and will appear in the Manukau District Court this morning.

Three others aged between 13 and 17 were in the car during the incident.