Gang member arrested for fleeing police

A patched gang member has been arrested for fleeing police. File photo

A patched gang member has been arrested for fleeing police, one of three Northland drive-offs in a day.

The 28-year-old Headhunter Outlaw motorcycle gang member will appear in the Whangarei District Court today charged with theft, assaulting police, failing to stop, reckless driving, resisting police and escaping from custody.

The man was allegedly clocked by a speed camera at more than 200 km/h after he drove away from a highway patrol police officer on State Highway One near Salmon Rd, Ruakaka.

The officer had attempted to arrest the man on an outstanding warrant.

After receiving information from the public, the man was found at a Otaika property on Saturday afternoon. Police said he was arrested without incident.

This was one of three occasions on Thursday where drivers fled police.

The first happened about midday as officers searched a Ohawini Bay property near Oakura. Police found tens of thousands of dollars of stolen property, including a cabin, a small digger, timber, water tanks and a considerable amount of construction tools and equipment.

While police were searching, a 35-year-old man turned up but immediately fled in a vehicle along the beach. Police subsequently abandoned the chase because of the risk to the public.

Also that afternoon, a 32-year-old man was seen at a Whangarei service station stealing grocery items. Police gave chase but also had to abandon that pursuit because of the risk to the public.

Northland police criminal Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Kevin Burke said police knew who the drivers were and would find them.

"Police are firmly focused on catching those responsible for these incidents, given the significant risk they pose to other road users and the complete lack of regard for their safety."

It's thought the offenders yet to be found were also connected to the Headhunters.

"While we have a number of firm leads regarding these offenders, we urge the public to report to police any suspicious activity they believe is connected to organised crime or any activity that could be criminal."