“He was taken into custody and transported to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition after receiving injuries from a dog bite during his arrest. A search of the vehicle located two handguns and a large amount of live ammunition,” Tetzlaff said of the overnight incident.
“It is pleasing that these firearms are now out of circulation in our community.”
The driver was first spotted about 11.40pm, when a “vehicle of interest” was seen on Dominion Rd in Sandringham.
“This vehicle had been reported stolen at gunpoint earlier in the day from the South Auckland area.”
The police Eagle helicopter spotted the vehicle as it entered the Southern Motorway at Newmarket, with those on board watching as it travelled towards East Tāmaki.
The police Eagle helicopter was involved in efforts to catch the driver.
When the driver exited the motorway onto East Tāmaki Rd, police officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it “took off at speed”, Tetzlaff said.
“The driver was seen driving in a dangerous manner through South Auckland, turning off its lights and reaching high speeds on residential streets.”
After re-entering the motorway at State Highway 20, the driver travelled south towards Te Kauwhata, he said.
“Police units were able to spike the vehicle, and it continued for a short distance before losing control and crashing into wire median dividers.”
The arrested man would face charges of failing to stop, reckless driving, receiving, possession of firearms and resisting arrest, Tetzlaff said.
“Police are continuing to make inquiries into the initial stolen vehicle report, and we cannot rule out further charges in that matter.
“As standard procedure, the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified of the incident.”