Auckland Harbour Bridge briefly closed after alleged shooting on Karangahape Road

Police say the Harbour Bridge was briefly closed last night after a shooting incident on Karangahape Rd. Photo / Dean Purcell

A South Auckland man has appeared in court facing a string of charges, including possessing a revolver, following a dramatic car chase which ended on Auckland's Harbour Bridge last night.

Jess Samau, 29, was charged with six offences, the most serious of which - discharging a firearm with reckless disregard for the safety of others - carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.

He appeared before a justice of the peace in Auckland District Court this morning, flanked by two court security officers and wearing a blue boiler suit.

The charges follow a shooting incident on Auckland's Karangahape Rd last night.

Police said they received reports of people fighting and shots being fired in a side street of Karangahape Rd about 8.45pm yesterday.

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One man reportedly fled with a gun, and a short pursuit followed, police said.

A police patrol responding to the incident spotted the car leaving the scene and tried to stop it.

The fleeing vehicle then rammed the police vehicle, and was chased on to the northbound lanes of the Harbour Bridge.

At the top of the bridge the vehicle crashed and the man tried to escape on foot, however he was soon caught and arrested by police.

The Harbour Bridge was closed for about 20 minutes while police checked the area, as they initially believed more than one person may have been involved.

Police established that only one alleged offender was involved, and the bridge reopened at 9.15pm.

When the crashed car was searched, a revolver was found on the front seat.

No-one was injured, police said.

Samau has also been charged with failing to stop for police, assaulting a police constable with intent to obstruct him in the execution of his duty, operating a motor vehicle recklessly, unlawful possession of a revolver and resisting arrest.

Police opposed Samau's bail which went unchallenged.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Auckland District Court before a judge in February where he is expected to enter a plea to the six charges.