Police say the offender drove the wrong way at Takanini. Photo: 123RF
Police say a man is facing numerous charges after allegedly assaulting a man and stealing his vehicle, driving dangerously on Auckland's motorway network and causing several minor collisions.
In a statement Inspector Dave Christoffersen said police began investigating on Tuesday afternoon after a man at a Māngere address was assaulted by a man who then stole his vehicle.
That evening police sighted the vehicle on Mahia Road in Manurewa and the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed to the area, he said.
Police then saw the vehicle heading towards Drury at high speed but were able to deploy road spikes as it slowed down and went back through Papakura, he said.
Christoffersen said the offender entered the motorway network against the flow of traffic at Takanini.
"With the tyres deflated, at one point he unsuccessfully attempted to take another person's vehicle, before continuing to drive dangerously against the flow of traffic."
There were several minor collisions with members of the public, he said.
Realising the danger to the public, police then used their vehicle to push the offender's vehicle clear of live lanes and back onto the off-ramp, he said.
The man then fled on foot to a commercial yard and police were eventually able to enter the yard with a police dog and arrest the offender, he said.
He sustained minor injuries as a result and was taken to Middlemore Hospital.
Inspector Christoffersen said the man was under police guard ahead of a bedside court hearing on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with a blunt instrument, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, burglary, reckless driving and failing to stop.
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