An Auckland man is facing a string of serious charges after allegedly using a stolen four-wheel drive to ram a police vehicle during a traffic stop in Mt Wellington early Tuesday morning.
Police say the incident occurred at approximately 2.20am on 8 July, after officers spotted a vehicle running a red light near Carbine Road.
Relieving Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Rakana Cook, said frontline officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but it came to a stop only after driving erratically.
“It’s at this point the four-wheel drive was allegedly used to repeatedly ram our patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene,” said Inspector Cook.
Despite the violent nature of the incident, no officers were injured.
A police investigation was quickly launched, with officers following up positive leads to identify the driver. That work led police to an address on Puhinui Road in Papatoetoe on Monday evening, where the suspect attempted to flee on foot.
“The man attempted to flee on foot from our staff but he was all out of options,” said Inspector Cook.
The 44-year-old man was arrested and is due to appear in the Manukau District Court today.
He is facing multiple charges including two counts of assault with a blunt instrument, resisting police, failing to stop, unlawfully taking a vehicle, and reckless driving.
Inspector Cook condemned the behaviour, stating, “We have no tolerance for such reckless and violent behaviour directed at our staff. I’d like to acknowledge our staff involved who were going about their duties in keeping our community safe.”
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