A gang member is in custody after allegedly leading police on a cross-city flight across Auckland in an impounded vehicle containing methamphetamine that was spiked twice.
The 27-year-old Head Hunters gang member failed to stop for a police unit on Custom Street East just before 1am. Auckland City Police Senior Sergeant Shaun Richardson said officers signalled for a Jeep Grand Cherokee to stop, but the driver fled the scene.
While a pursuit was not initiated by ground units, the Police Eagle helicopter tracked the vehicle as it travelled along the motorway and over the Harbour Bridge.
The vehicle continued through Northcote, Glenfield, Albany, and Takapuna despite police successfully spiking its tyres on two separate occasions. Richardson said the vehicle eventually came to a stop on Esmonde Road once its rubber tyres disintegrated, allowing police to block it in.
The driver was immediately taken into custody. Police searched the vehicle and located a quantity of methamphetamine.
