Armed offenders flee police for 100km

Four men are in police custody after fleeing almost 100km from the scene of a “violent” home invasion involving firearms in Auckland yesterday, police say.

The men were arrested at 2.22am when their vehicle — which had earlier been spiked — came to a stop near Kaiwaka, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Alfred Zhou, of Waitemata¯ CIB, said.

“Armed police took the four occupants into custody without further incident. Thankfully no one else was injured during the incident, which played out over almost 100 kilometres.”

The home invasion — understood to have occurred on Akatarawa St — occurred about 12.30am, Zhou said.

“Three men, all carrying firearms, have entered the address and threatened a man before assaulting him, but no firearms were discharged during the incident. The victim received minor injuries . . . and was later attended to by ambulance staff.”

At least 20 police cars, including dog units, and a police helicopter were involved. The offenders fled in a vehicle and entered the Northwestern Motorway travelling north, Zhou said.

“Several police units signalled for the driver to stop, but he did not, and took off at speed. We decided not to pursue due to the manner of driving but tracked the vehicle north along State Highway 1 with the help of the police Eagle helicopter.”

Zhou said one of the front tyres on the vehicle was spiked near Oteha Valley,

Three men, all carrying firearms, have entered the address and threatened a man before assaulting him.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Alfred Zhou

but the driver continued at dangerous speeds.

“As the vehicle passed Moir Hill, the occupants threw out boxes, bags, and other items from the vehicle onto the Puhoi to Moir Northern Motorway, which police had closed to other motorists. We were able to successfully spike the remaining front tyre on the vehicle, but the driver has continued, driving on rims.”

Police were considering charges.