A 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged with drink-driving and other offences following a horrific fatal crash which claimed an innocent cabbie in central Auckland this morning.
The taxi driver - believed to be on his way to pick up passengers - was killed when a speeding black Mercedes allegedly ran a red light.
The Mercedes driver and a passenger then allegedly fled the scene and were found only with the help of members of the public, police and the Eagle helicopter. Police dog units were also called to the scene.
Speaking outside Auckland central police station, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said the driver would appear in Auckland District Court on Wednesday.
He has been arrested and charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, driving causing injury and failing to stop and ascertain injury.
The taxi driver was a 29-year-old man. from Discount Taxis.
Police were speaking to the man's family and providing support.
Beard said the crash was avoidable.
Early indications were that the Mercedes had run a red light and ploughed into the innocent taxi driver.
"It is really disappointing when an innocent member of the public is driving and gets killed," he said.
The accused was in custody and would likely spend Christmas Day in the cells, he said.
The victim's next of kin were still being informed and he couldn't be named. Beard said the man's family were very upset.
He repeated police messages about driving to conditions, not speeding or driving under the influence.
He declined to say how far over the limit the driver was alleged to be.
There was no suggestion the car was stolen.
