Man Arrested After Alleged Armed Carjacking and High-Speed Chase in Auckland
A 30-year-old man is in custody following an overnight incident in Auckland that began with an alleged carjacking at gunpoint and culminated in a dramatic chase and arrest in Waikato. The man faces multiple charges, including failing to stop, reckless driving, receiving stolen property, possession of firearms, and resisting arrest.
The incident unfolded around 11:40 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, when police spotted a vehicle reported stolen earlier in the day following an alleged carjacking on Dominion Road . The vehicle was tracked by the police Eagle helicopter as it travelled onto the Southwestern Motorway (SH 20) towards East Tāmaki.
High-Speed Pursuit Through Auckland
According to Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, the driver attempted to evade police, accelerating at speed when officers initiated a traffic stop while exiting the motorway onto East Tāmaki Road. The driver then engaged in dangerous driving maneuvers throughout South Auckland, including turning off the vehicle’s lights and reaching high speeds on residential streets.
The vehicle re-entered the motorway at SH20, continuing south towards Te Kauwhata. Police deployed road spikes, which eventually caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into wire median dividers.
Barricade and Arrest
Upon crashing, the driver barricaded himself inside the vehicle. Officers observed the man with live ammunition on his lap. He was subsequently tasered and removed from the vehicle, sustaining a dog bite injury during the arrest. He was transported to Waikato Hospital in moderate condition.
Firearms Recovered
A search of the vehicle revealed two handguns and a significant quantity of live ammunition. “It is pleasing that these firearms are now out of circulation in our community,” Inspector Tetzlaff stated.
Police are continuing their investigation into the initial carjacking and have not ruled out further charges. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident, as per standard procedure.
Dominion Road, where the initial theft occurred, is a major arterial route through Auckland, known for its diverse range of businesses and restaurants .
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