The inicident unfolded on Friday. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
A man has been arrested for allegedly stealing a car from an elderly man while armed with a spear gun in South Auckland.
Police said the 42-year-old approached an elderly man's car on Hillcrest Rd in Papatoetoe and demanded his keys on Friday.
"The driver was demanded to hand over his keys, which escalated when the spear gun was allegedly pointed at the frightened man," Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey said.
He then fled in the elderly man's car, heading towards Manukau.
"Our staff arrived on scene and began taking details of what occurred, which was in turn relayed to other police staff," Albrey said.
"The police Eagle helicopter responded and soon located the freshly stolen vehicle on Cavendish Drive."
Police followed the vehicle to Manurewa, where they spiked its tyres on Beatty Ave.
The man was arrested on the spot.
"I acknowledge our staff for their work today, preventing any further harm being inflicted on the public by this man's actions," Albrey said.
Police claim the same man had earlier also attempted to enter a house on Wyllie Rd in Papatoetoe, and had pointed his spear gun at a woman driving nearby.
"He walked towards a neighbouring driveway where a woman was driving out in her vehicle," Albrey said.
"The man allegedly pointed a spear gun at the woman but fortunately she locked her doors and quickly drove away from the scene."
The man was due to appear in the Manukau District Court on Saturday, where he was facing charges of aggravated robbery and attempts at aggravated robbery.
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