An officer responding to one job had to change tack after encountering a stolen vehicle being driven erratically on the Southern Motorway early this morning.
Just before 2am, a Police Dog Unit was responding towards west Auckland to assist colleagues with another job when a Mazda Demio was being driven dangerously near Mt Wellington.
The dog handler signalled for this vehicle to stop, but it took off at speed.
“The vehicle wasn’t pursued, but information was relayed to other units in the area, and it wasn’t long before the car was located on Portland Road in Remuera,” Counties Manukau South Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Kushla Clarke says.
“Another unit signalled the car to stop but it continued to fail to stop.”
Senior Sergeant Clarke says the Police Eagle helicopter was quickly able to gain observations of the vehicle as it drove around Parnell.
“The occupants have attempted to steal another vehicle, but were disturbed and left the area, getting back onto the motorway and heading south towards Papakura.”
She says the vehicle was spiked but continued driving to Paerata until they were forced to stop.
“Two youths were quickly taken into custody without further incident.
“The 17-year-old driver was charged with dangerous driving and will appear in Manukau Youth Court today.
“We will continue to hold these offenders to account for actions that can cause serious harm to our communities.”
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police