22 Mar 2024

9-year-old among occupants of stolen vehicle fleeing police

1:48 pm on 22 March 2024
Police car on the street at night

Photo: 123RF

A nine-year-old is one of five young people allegedly caught up in a fleeing driver incident through Counties Manukau on Thursday night.

Counties Manukau central area prevention manager Inspector Mark Chivers said all five, aged between nine and 13, were taken into custody.

"It is incredibly fortunate no one was seriously injured as a result of this incident."

Just after 7.30pm, police noticed the stolen vehicle travelling through Takanini.

Officers signalled for it to stop but it failed to do so and fled.

The police air support unit was called on and provided information to staff on the ground.

"The vehicle has then travelled into Manurewa, where a member of the public has allegedly been struck," Chivers said.

"Incredibly, and thankfully, they were unharmed."

Inspector Chivers said the vehicle stopped on Seward Place and three rear passengers fled on foot.

"The vehicle was then followed by Eagle to Burbank Road where it stopped and the driver and passenger got out and entered a property."

At this point officers arrested all the members of the group.

They have all been referred to Youth Aid Services.