A driver allegedly stole a vehicle from a person who stopped to help after a crash near Pukekohe last night, before driving back towards the scene and colliding with four vehicles, including a police car.
Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle crash on Patumāhoe Rd at around 6.40pm on Friday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Veronica McPherson said one of the drivers involved in the crash allegedly stole a vehicle belonging to a member of the public who had stopped to help.
“The vehicle was then driven back towards the crash scene, and members of the public and attending Police staff, were forced to take evasive action to avoid being struck,” McPherson said.
“The driver then collided with four vehicles, including a Police car.”
One person who was struck suffered moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.
The alleged driver became trapped inside the stolen vehicle following the collisions and was taken to Auckland Hospital in a serious condition.
Hato Hone St John earlier said four patients were treated at the scene, with two transported to hospital and two treated for minor injuries.
Footage from the scene showed multiple damaged vehicles, including a police car, strewn across Patumāhoe Rd.
The serious crash unit had examined the scene overnight, and the road had since reopened.
Police said inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing and encouraged anybody with relevant information to contact them via 105.