A man with a high-powered firearm chased three West Auckland cops this morning before allegedly threatening to kill them and trying to steal their patrol car.
The officers approached three men walking on Te Atatu Rd just before 2am.
The Herald understands one of the men became aggressive and started shouting at the officers.
Waitemata District Commander Superintendent Bill Searle said the alleged offender told the officers he had a gun and was going to kill them.
"The man is then alleged to have pointed an item at the officers. The item resembled a shotgun inside a sock," he said.
"Over the next few minutes the offender is alleged to have continued to point the gun at them, chasing one of the officers and trying unsuccessfully to steal the police car."
The man eventually gave up and was arrested at the scene.
Police seized a Ruger 10/22semi-automatic rimfire rifle and a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle with a .22 round in the chamber at the scene.
"This is a terrifying situation for anyone, including a police officer, and the officers involved have been very brave, faced with extreme danger," said Mr Searle.
"They have managed to remain calm and remember their training. What started as a routine arrest has quickly escalated and I am proud of the courage and professionalism our officers have shown in the most stressful and trying of situations."
The officers involved have been offered welfare support and are now on rostered days off.
A 24-year-old man will appear in the Waitakere District Court this afternoon charged with using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, unlawful possession of a firearm, attempted unlawful taking of a vehicle, careless use of a motorvehicle and driving while disqualified.