A man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to steal five cars in Auckland.
Shortly before 8am Tuesday, police received a report that a man carrying a weapon had attempted to stop and steal a vehicle on the Albany Highway.
The attempt was unsuccessful and the victim managed to drive away. They were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The offender then approached numerous other vehicles, trying to force the drivers out. On his fifth attempt, he forced the driver out and drove away in their car.
The Police Eagle helicopter was deployed to watch the vehicle's movements towards Dominion Road, Mt Albert.
Police then successfully spiked the vehicle and it eventually stopped in Onehunga and the offender fled on foot.
Police soon found the man and took him into custody.
"This brazen and violent offending has no place in our community, and the offender's actions were unacceptable in putting the public at risk," Inspector Kai Shao said.
"We are ensuring we are following up with motorists that were caught up in this morning's incidents, as well as making sure they have access to support.
"I would like to acknowledge the various Police staff that responded to these incidents this morning, so that this matter could be brought to a conclusion safely."
Insp Shao said "charges are pending" for the offender taken into custody.
