The driver of a stolen vehicle which was being observed overhead by Police Air Support crew in the Eagle helicopter, crashed into three cars belonging to members of the public on Rosebank Rd at about 12.30 today, moments after Police road spikes were used in an attempt to stop him.
Two men are now in custody having been arrested not far from the scene of the crashes, which they fled from on foot. Police at the scene and other witnesses say the vehicle swerved at speed after hitting the spikes and veered into the civilians' cars.
No one was injured in the crash but ambulance services were called to attend the scene.
A Police Dog Unit was used to track the offenders and, unfortunately, a member of the public who stepped in to help Police, suffered a dog bite to his lower leg. He is receiving treatment in Auckland Hospital though his injury is not thought to be serious at this stage.
The Auckland City Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating at the scene which is closed to traffic.
Police became involved with the stolen Subaru Forrester minutes before midday when called to a Mt Roskill address where a man was said to be behaving suspiciously. The car was reported stolen yesterday from Middlemore Hospital.
A Police pursuit involving ground patrols for two minutes before the Air Support Unit took over, started near the Mt Roskill address at 12.25pm and concluded with the crash at about 12.34pm.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area if at all possible until further notice.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz