Youths arrested over alleged incident-packed, 150km Auckland to Hamilton trip

Four youths have been arrested in Hamilton this afternoon after failing to stop for police in Pukekohe, Auckland. Photo / File

Four youths arrested in Hamilton had allegedly fled police in Auckland - starting an incident-packed, 150km journey.

The mayhem began when a vehicle failed to stop for police on East St, Pukekohe at 10.42am on Saturday.

Police say they followed the fleeing vehicle at a legal road speed but did not start a proper pursuit.

The occupants abandoned the vehicle a short time later on Hall St, Pukekohe and were picked up by a second vehicle. Again, a pursuit was not initiated.

The occupants then ditched the second vehicle on Bairds Rd, Otara a short time later and then drove off - in what police say was a third vehicle.

This vehicle was then spiked in Hamilton at 12.43pm.

Police say the vehicle hit a police car after it was spiked.

“A pursuit was authorised at that time, due to a report of a firearm being sighted in the vehicle.”

The driver continued until they lost control of the vehicle near the Fairfield Bridge intersection on Victoria St at 12.56pm.

The occupants fled the vehicle, but police say they moved in quickly to arrest them without further incident.

“No firearm was located in the vehicle,” police said.

The four youths arrested will face a number of driving and dishonesty-related matters.

Police say it was fortunate no members of the public were injured.

“Police appreciate that this incident has been disruptive and has caused distress to motorists in Auckland and Hamilton.

“Fleeing driver events are volatile, unpredictable, and high risk to everyone involved ... Drivers who choose not to pull over for police when instructed put themselves, police staff, and the public at risk.

“We are committed to keeping our roads safe and will always assess the risk before initiating a pursuit.”

Police use a risk-assessment process to decide how to safely resolve any situation.

“Instead of a pursuit, police are generally able to monitor the progress of a fleeing vehicle and plan a safe intervention to bring the incident to an end, such as in this incident.

“In an instance where a driver is not apprehended, police can follow up with other investigation techniques, witnesses, officer knowledge and avenues of inquiry to identify the vehicle and driver so they can be held to account,” they said.