8 Jan 2024

Stolen car sped from Newmarket to Whenuapai, hitting another vehicle; two teens charged

2:09 pm on 8 January 2024
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File photo. Photo: 123rf

Two teenagers have been charged after a stolen car was spotted speeding, hit another car on a motorway and was abandoned in Auckland.

Around 5.40pm on Sunday, police were told about a stolen vehicle speeding on Mortimer Pass in Newmarket.

Auckland City Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, said police attempted to stop the vehicle, however it failed to do so and a pursuit was not initiated.

The Police Eagle helicopter tracked the vehicle as it entered the Northwestern Motorway at Lincoln Road and travelled west before hitting another car.

It continued travelling on the wrong side of the road before one of the tyres blew out, he said.

The vehicle was then abandoned on Rata Road in Whenuapai, where two teenagers were taken into custody.

"It is incredibly lucky no one was injured," Inspector Tetzlaff says.

"This is another example of great work by Police staff from across different areas, all working together to hold offenders to account."

A 19-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with failing to stop, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and reckless driving.

A 14-year-old was referred to Youth Aid Services.

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