Auckland Airport Incident: Man Arrested After Car Ramming, Chase Through City

A 28-year-old man has been arrested following a dramatic car ramming incident near Auckland Airport. The driver fled through several suburbs before being apprehended at Harbour View Beach Reserve in Te Atatū Peninsula.

Initial Assault Report Escalates to Police Chase

The incident began with a report of a man allegedly assaulting a woman in her car at a shopping center car park around 12:55 PM. Airport police were dispatched to the scene as the vehicle was departing.

Upon arrival on George Bolt Memorial Drive, police conducted a traffic stop. The situation escalated when the driver exited the vehicle, which rolled slowly backward, resulting in minor injuries. A male passenger then took control of the driver’s seat.

Vehicle Collides With Police Car During High-Speed Chase

The male passenger reversed the car into the police vehicle, causing significant damage. Despite their routine armament, police officers had to present firearms due to safety concerns as the vehicle repeatedly reversed toward them.

Once the car accelerated, the initial pursuit was handled by ground forces. However, the police Eagle helicopter eventually took over to monitor and provide support.

Tracked initially on State Highway 20, the vehicle proceeded toward the Waterview Tunnel before veering off onto the Te Atatū Peninsula. There, the suspect abandoned the car at Harbour View Beach Reserve.

Quick Capture After Attempted Escape on Foot

Upon noticing his vehicle had been abandoned, the suspect fled on foot. However, local police quickly apprehended him, bringing him under arrest.

Inspector Peter Raynes of the Auckland Airport Police released a statement about the incident, reporting the harrowing events and the safety measures that were taken. While the exact charges against the 28-year-old individual had yet to be confirmed at the time of the report, the authorities remain vigilant in ensuring public safety.