A 37-year-old Auckland Head Hunters gang member has been arrested after allegedly ramming a police car with a stolen vehicle.
After being taken into custody, police at the scene found a loaded crossbow and arrows in the vehicle.
The incident began late last night when police located a stolen vehicle travelling on Titirangi Rd and signalled for it to stop.
Waitematā West area prevention manager Inspector Kelly Farrant said the driver “initially stopped”.
“At this point the driver reversed into the police vehicle behind it, causing some minor damage.”
Farrant said the vehicle then took off “at speed” towards Avondale.
No police staff suffered any injuries, and the Eagle helicopter was sent to the area, quickly locating the stolen car.
“Eagle spotted the vehicle travelling at high speed through Kelston, and relayed its position to ground units as it entered the Northwestern Motorway at Massey and headed towards the city.
“Spikes were successfully deployed in the Avondale area, but the vehicle continued on rims through the Waterview Tunnel, eventually exiting and smashed through the gate of a school in Mount Roskill.”
The driver was then arrested “without further incident”.
“The man will appear in the Waitākere District Court today charged with assault, operating a motor vehicle recklessly and failing to stop for Police.
“I acknowledge and thank the range of Police staff involved in responding to this incident.
“Their decision making was spot on and resulted in not only a safe and swift conclusion to this incident but one less dangerous weapon off the street,” Farrant said.
