A young man accused of stealing a $50,000 police car in South Auckland, allegedly driving it wildly before causing a serious crash just minutes later, could now face up to seven years’ imprisonment after police filed a raft of charges against him.
The 20-year-old Papatoetoe resident was taken into
custody yesterday afternoon after a member of the public helped detain him following the crash.
A police spokesperson told the Herald at the time they were considering charges, but authorities have since come to a decision.
The defendant was scheduled to appear in Manukau District Court today on charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failure to stop for flashing red and blue lights, dangerous driving causing injury and failure to stop to ascertain injury.
If convicted of taking the police car, he could face up to seven years’ imprisonment. The dangerous driving and hit-and-run charges carry maximum sentences of five years’ imprisonment and failing to stop for police is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.
