Southern Motorway arrest after driver allegedly flees spiked Audi
A man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing a spiked car and running across Auckland’s Southern Motorway.
Police were called about 4pm after a black Audi was seen being driven erratically on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri, near Pōkeno.
Inspector Peter Raynes said officers later spotted the Audi travelling north on SH1 near Bombay.
Raynes said the driver allegedly refused to stop and the Audi made contact with a patrol car, although it was not extensively damaged.
Police used road spikes, puncturing three of the Audi’s tyres.
The car continued north at a slow speed while police held back traffic behind it to keep motorists at a safe distance, Raynes said.
The Eagle helicopter monitored the vehicle as the driver allegedly sped up and slowed down and moved across both lanes.
“Eventually the man stopped the vehicle and fled on foot from officers, crossing to the other side of the Southern Motorway.”
Police chased the man along the southbound lanes before arresting him on the roadside near Drury.
He remains in custody and charges are yet to be confirmed, police said.
Police suspected impairment may have been a factor in his driving.