Officer injured in police chase, one person in custody

3:46 pm on 2 August 2019

A stolen car has rammed two police vehicles and left an officer injured during a chase in Auckland this afternoon.

Police generic

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

One person is in police custody.

The 20-minute chase started about 2pm after the car was spotted driving towards the city centre on Tamaki Road and the driver refused to stop on Quay Street.

The Eagle helicopter was called in to track it after patrol cars abandoned the chase because of the dangerous manner of driving.

"The pursuit was abandoned shortly after due to the manner of driving," Waitematā East inspector Sunny Patel said.

"Police attempted to re-engage in the pursuit one further time but abandoned immediately and the Police Eagle helicopter was dispatched to monitor the vehicle from above."

The car continued along the Northern Motorway, Oteha Valley Road and into Browns Bay until the car rammed a police vehicle in Rothesay Bay.

"On one occasion the driver has attempted to ram police vehicles who were travelling at a distance behind the vehicle," Ms Patel said.

"Shortly before 2.20pm, the vehicle rammed a police vehicle on Knights Close in Rothesay Bay.

"A police officer has sustained injuries as a result and is being examined by paramedics, though the injuries are thought to be minor."

A witness said at least six patrol cars were involved in the pursuit.