Because of the risk to the public, a police car boxed the getaway vehicle against a barrier near Takanini.
The driver continued to try to flee on foot, jumping over a nearby fence to avoid police.
Police caught up to the man a short time later, and he was taken into custody.
Counties Manukau West Area Commander, Inspector Dave Christoffersen, said on Tuesday afternoon officers had begun enquiries into an alleged assault and unlawful taking of a vehicle from a residential address in Māngere.
“Later in the evening, police received additional information this vehicle was located at a Papakura address and that a firearm may now be in the vehicle.”
This vehicle left the area and was sighted by a unit on Mahia Road in Manurewa.
Christoffersen said the Eagle helicopter was deployed to the area.
“Our staff successfully deployed spikes and a pursuit was initiated, as the vehicle was travelling at low speed through back through Papakura.”
Our staff successfully deployed spikes and a pursuit was initiated, as the vehicle was travelling at low speed through back through Papakura.”
Police allege the man then tried “unsuccessfully” to take another person’s vehicle, before continuing to drive against the flow of traffic.”
Several minor vehicle collisions have also occurred with members of the public.
Christofferson said a police unit took “decisive action” and used their vehicle to push the man’s vehicle clear of live lanes and back onto the off-ramp.
The man then fled on food and was arrested after the deployment of a police dog.
He sustained minor injuries as a result and was taken to Middlemore Hospital.
Inspector Christoffersen says the man is under police guard ahead of a bedside court hearing today.
The 34-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with a blunt instrument, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, burglary, reckless driving and failing to stop.
