A 27-year-old man has been charged over his alleged involvement in an aggravated robbery in Auckland on Sunday.
"He is due to appear in the Waitākere District Court this morning on charges relating to aggravated robbery and failing to stop," Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said.
The arrest comes after police investigating the incident at a Michael Hill jewellery store in Westgate's NorthWest Shopping Centre were later made aware of a vehicle of interest travelling in Manurewa.
"Just after 9pm on Sunday, police responded to reports of the vehicle travelling on Browns Rd," Det Insp Baldwin said.
"The Police Air Support Unit, Eagle, was soon above to provide directions to units on the ground.
"The vehicle allegedly failed to stop for police when signalled to do so and was observed driving in a concerning manner throughout the area."
The vehicle eventually came to a stop on Rowandale Rd.
"The driver left the area on foot, however was located and taken into custody a short time later without further incident," Det Insp Baldwin said.
Enquiries into the mall robbery were continuing.
Retail workers told RNZ how the recent Bondi, Sydney stabbing rampage, where six people were killed, was one of the main reasons people in the mall were panicked.
Synergy Hair receptionist Tessa van Houten told RNZ how scary the incident was, saying the Sydney mall stabbing was top of mind.
"Me and my co-worker had discussed [the other week] what would we do in a situation like that y'know, so we already were on the same page," she said.
Van Houten admitted it was nerve-wracking but said she was determined to keep calm for her customers.
"We continue to ask anyone with information on the incident who have not yet spoken to police to please get in touch," Det Insp Baldwin said.
"As we have previously said, the Operation Dusk investigation team making enquiries into recent alleged offending at jewellery stores in Tāmaki Makaurau, are reviewing and assessing whether this incident is associated with previous incidents of the same nature."
Anyone with footage or information about the crime is asked to contact police on 105 or online referencing file number 240412/0735. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
