Knifepoint carjacking leads to hours-long chase, police car rammed

A man has been found hiding up a tree after allegedly stealing a vehicle at knifepoint, driving dangerously through northern Auckland and ramming a police car.

Just after 5.30pm police noticed a vehicle at a service station in Red Beach on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast which had earlier been stolen at knifepoint in Henderson.

Waitematā CIB acting detective inspector Simon Harrison said officers signalled for the vehicle to stop but it drove off at speed.

“The Police Eagle helicopter was able to track the vehicle as it drove at high speed and in a dangerous manner around the Waitematā North area,” he said.

“The vehicle was then observed in Warkworth at about 7pm where it allegedly rammed a patrol car parked on Radiata Rd.

“Thankfully no one was injured, however these types of situations are extremely concerning for our staff.”

Harrison said the driver then allegedly fled on foot into nearby bush and could not be found.

Four hours later, police received a call from members of the public just after 11.30pm. They had seen the person walking through a rural property on Hodgart Rd.

“At about 2.15am Eagle located the male loitering around the address, where he ran into a nearby bush area and up a tree,” said Harrison.

“The male was aggressive towards staff and OC spray was used as he continued to resist arrest.”

The man suffered a minor dog bite and was transported to hospital for treatment.

“This person’s alleged actions were totally unacceptable, and it’s a credit to the hard work of all police staff involved that the incident ended safely for all involved.”

A 35-year-old man will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with aggravated robbery, failing to stop, dangerous driving, aggravated assault, two counts of assaults with a weapon and resisting Police.