A 22-year-old man who allegedly hijacked a car as it headed toward Auckland Harbour Bridge on Saturday has pleaded not guilty to unlawfully taking a vehicle.
The alleged carjacker appeared in Auckland District Court today facing eight charges - two of failing to stop to ascertain injury, unlawful taking of
a vehicle, assault with intent to commit crime, failing to stop for police, reckless use of a motor vehicle, giving false information to police and refusal to supply a blood sample.
He pleaded not guilty to one charge of unlawfully taking a vehicle in court today.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 27.
Police said the man opened the door of a car and forced the male driver from his vehicle, on Saturday about 4pm on Curran Street, Freemans Bay.
He then drove over Auckland Harbour Bridge.
He was followed to Glenfield by a witness who phoned police.
When a police patrol signalled the alleged carjacker to stop, the man sped off on to the Albany Highway, where he hit a traffic light at the intersection with Upper Harbour Drive.
The man was under police guard in hospital during the weekend, while being treated for non-life threatening injuries from the crash.
- NZPA
