Man in court on kidnapping charges

An unemployed west Auckland man who sparked a 15-car police chase yesterday has appeared in the Auckland District Court today on kidnapping charges.

The man allegedly took three members of a family hostage. Shots were fired during the chase which ended when a car hit a streetlight on the Northwestern motorway.

Leonard Archer Hall, 34-years-old, was charged with three counts of kidnapping.

Hall, whose face is heavily tattooed, entered no plea and has been remanded in custody. He will reappear tomorrow.

He swore at police as he was taken back into custody, Newstalk ZB reported.

Police are continuing their inquiry and it is likely more charges will be laid.

- Newstalk ZB