Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Auckland MIQ escapee arrested again for allegedly drink driving, fleeing police during L4 lockdown

A Covid-infected man who escaped from an MIQ facility is in fresh trouble with police - this time for allegedly drink driving and fleeing officers during level 4 lockdown.

A police officer was reportedly threatened with bottles after she tackled the alleged offender in South Auckland last night.

The man first came to public attention on September 2 after he escaped from the Novotel & Ibis Ellerslie quarantine facility without permission at 1am and returned to his home in Otahuhu.

The man had tested positive for Covid-19 and only entered MIQ a few hours before his escape.

He filmed on his phone as police recaptured him and ordered him into a van to return him to MIQ.

The man was charged under the Health Order with failing to comply with an order (Covid-19) and after appearing in the Auckland District Court via a contactless video link he was remanded back to the MIQ facility to carry out his mandatory quarantine period.

The Herald can now reveal the 24-year-old man - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was arrested again last night.

At about 6pm police noticed a car with four male occupants driving along Bairds Rd in Otara.

Counties Manukau East Area Commander Inspector Scott Gemmell said the occupants could be seen consuming alcohol.

"Which alarmingly included its driver who was also making offensive hand gestures," he said.

"Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle."

Thne driver - the man who had earlier escaped MIQ - got out and ran away.

The officer chased him and tackled him to the ground.

It's alleged that as she tackled him two male passengers got out and threatened her with bottles.

Moments later more police arrived and drew tasers to subdue the other passengers.

The tasers were not discharged.

The driver and two other men were arrested.

"The 24-year-old driver of the vehicle has since completed EBA procedures and blew nearly twice the legal limit," Gemmell confirmed.

"His other charges include disorderly behaviour, speaks threateningly and resisting police."

He will appear in the Manukau District Court today.

Gemmell said a 23-year-old has been charged with assaults police and disorderly behaviour.

And a 25-year-old has also been charged with behaving threateningly and disorderly behaviour.

"All three also face a charge of failing to comply with the Health Order," said Gemmell.

"The other two occupants are expected to appear in the Manukau District Court on 23 September."

A source said the driver had been released from MIQ following his 14 days of isolation and was no longer considered an active case of Covid-19.

Auckland remains in a full Alert level 4 lockdown until 11.59pm today, when it will move down to level 3.

In either level people are directed to stay home unless travelling for essential supplies or medical help - or unless they are essential workers.