15 Apr 2022

One dead in car crash while fleeing police

9:18 am on 15 April 2022

A person has died in Auckland overnight after a car crashed while trying to flee from police.

Police generic

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police said a suspicious vehicle refused to stop about 10.07pm on Clevedon Road in Papakura.

However, it did not initiate a pursuit.

The car then crashed into a pole at the intersection of Porchester Road and Walters Road, in Takanini.

One passenger died at the scene and a second received serious injuries.

The driver fled the scene but was found a short time later with moderate injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.

Police said the case would also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

"This is a devastating event for everyone involved," Counties Manukau district commander superintendent Jill Rogers said.

"When you are signalled to stop by police, just stop. It's not worth someone being injured, or worse, losing a life."