A man has been arrested after a dramatic series of events on Auckland roads, which saw a man crash into a truck, "forcibly" steal a car from a member of the public and then drive the wrong way down a motorway.
Inspector Daniel Meade said police spotted a stolen SUV on Richard Pearse Drive in Māngere at around 9.05am on Wednesday.
Police signalled for the vehicle to stop but the driver took off at speed.
The vehicle was spotted in the Manurewa area when reports were made to police about the car entering the Southern Motorway (SH1) going in the wrong direction near Hill Road.
"Police began observing the vehicle’s movements and it was seen travelling onto the South-Western Motorway (SH20) before colliding with a truck near the Plunkett Road overbridge," Insp Meade said.
The driver exited his vehicle and "forcibly" stole a hatchback that had come to a stop near the crash.
The hatchback owner did not sustain any injuries, but is shaken, Insp Meade said.
"By this time the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and was monitoring this vehicle’s movements from above," Insp Meade said.
Police continued to monitor the vehicle travelling around Māngere at speed.
Police successfully deployed spikes but the vehicle continued on and re-entered SH20 in the wrong direction on Coronation Road, narrowly avoiding other motorists.
Insp Meade said one other vehicle did sustain minor damage.
"On one occasion the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to approach another vehicle but it drove off," Insp Meade said.
A short time later, the driver was arrested after police blocked the vehicle in near the Walmsley Rd overbridge.
"It is incredibly fortunate no member of the public was seriously injured as a result of the driver’s reckless actions this morning," Insp Meade said
Police are working to clear the scene but added there has been some impact on travel on northbound lanes.
"We would like to acknowledge motorists’ understanding as we responded to this incident," Insp Meade said.
Police said the 27-year-old arrested will face charges.
