A man who sparked a major armed police operation after police say he fired a gun at two officers before stealing their car has been remanded in custody.
Joshua Kite, 33, appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday in relation to an incident which occurred in Northland a week ago yesterday.
Kite was charged with three counts of using a firearm against police; two of kidnapping; two of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and one of impersonating a police officer.
Police said further charges are likely, but as the matter is now before the courts they will not be commenting further.
Kite was remanded in custody to appear in the Whangarei District Court on September 26.
Police allege Kite fired at two officers on Kamo Rd in the early hours of August 26 then stole their patrol car as they ducked for cover.
They say he then stopped a couple on Raumanga Valley Rd, and forced them from their car before stealing it.
The hunt for Kite saw Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka and Mangawhai all locked down by armed police last Friday and Saturday.