A police officer was injured and four police vehicles were damaged after a home owner disturbed a burglar, sparking an incident that went through a number of Auckland suburbs.
The Remuera property owner arrived home this afternoon to find his home burgled and the offender driving off in his van. He tried to stop him but was unable to, police said.
Minutes later police located the stolen van heading south and the police eagle helicopter was called in to watch it as ground staff followed.
The offender continued to drive dangerously, underpassing on the inside of lanes and deliberately driving into oncoming traffic. He drove into the Pakuranga area and, during a police attempt to spike the vehicle, rammed two patrol cars.
The spiked vehicle drove onto Ti Rakau drive before heading into a dead end street where the offender continued to drive at police vehicles. A police officer suffered a cut hand in the incident.
He was eventually stopped shortly after 2pm in Kentigern Close.
Inspector Shawn Rutene of the police Northern Communications Centre said the offender was determined to drive dangerously despite efforts by police to safely stop him.
"He showed absolutely no regard for the safety of other road users and our staff and we're all very grateful this escapade ended with only minor injuries to the vehicle's owner and one of our officers," he said.
