Cars rammed as suspect in police shooting leads officers on pursuit in South Auckland

A man who allegedly shot at police and then went on the run for nearly a week has been arrested after a lengthy pursuit in South Auckland that saw a vehicle driven at members of the public before ramming patrol cars.

During last night's pursuit in South Auckland the driver had tried to crash into police officers attempting to lay road spikes, police said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darrell Harpur said a motorcyclist had failed to stop for police in Manurewa shortly after 11.20am on Saturday.

Police located the motorcycle in Arbor Close a short time later where the driver had ditched the vehicle.

While two police officers were getting out of the patrol car, the offender presented what appeared to be a firearm at them and then fired the weapon before fleeing down an alley, police said.

A significant police presence failed to locate the gunman.

"Fortunately neither officer was injured, however this was a distressing incident and the staff involved have received support and have been referred to welfare," Harpur said.

The offender again come to the attention of police just before midnight last night, after a person was spotted attempting to steal a car on Hill Rd, Manurewa.

"While staff were en route they spotted a stolen Nissan vehicle driving at speed away from the area and a pursuit was initiated with the vehicle until the Eagle helicopter could have oversight," Harpur said.

"During the incident, the driver drove at innocent members of the public, rammed several police vehicles and attempted to drive into officers who were attempting to deploy road spikes. The alleged offender also hit several parked cars.

"The vehicle crashed a short time later on Settlers Cove, Weymouth and after a short foot chase he was located and arrested by police."

A man, 24, has been charged with two counts of using firearm against law enforcement officer, three charges of aggravated assault and two charges of failing to stop for police.

He is also charged with assault with intent to rob, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

He was due to appear in the Manukau District Court today.