Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
An alleged car thief will face court after driving dangerously across parts of Auckland last night.
At around 7.30pm in Epsom, a man approached a staff member at a car dealership on Great South Road, stealing their keys and vehicle.
The staff member was not injured during the incident but was left understandably shaken.
Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Andrew Hawkins says Police were able to track the vehicle with the help of motorway cameras.
“Working with the Joint Traffic Operating Centre, we were able to observe its movements heading north along State Highway One and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
“We quickly made the decision not to pursue the vehicle, due its dangerous manner of driving.
“The vehicle has then exited the motorway at Onewa where the Police Eagle helicopter sighted it, and began to follow its movements,” Senior Sergeant Hawkins says.
Eagle observed the vehicle being driven around Northcote at speed and back towards State Highway One.
“The vehicle continued to be observed travelling at excessive and dangerous speed heading north.”
There was a change in fortune for the driver as he neared Silverdale.
“Eagle observed the vehicle slow down dramatically, and it pulled up on the shoulder of the motorway and stopped. It had run out of fuel,” Senior Sergeant Hawkins says.
“Our staff were able to swoop in and take the driver into custody without further incident.”
A 36-year-old man is scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court today, 13 March, facing a raft of charges, including vehicle theft, driving with a breath alcohol limit over 400 mcgs and operating a motor vehicle recklessly.
“We’re pleased that this person is off the road and no longer putting the public in danger. His reckless actions last night could have led to a serious crash, injury, or worse,” Senior Sergeant Hawkins says.
ENDS
Tony Wright/NZ Police
