Waikato Carjacking: Man Arrested After Gunpoint Theft & Police Chase

A man was arrested in Waikato overnight after a dramatic pursuit following an alleged armed carjacking in Auckland, culminating in a standoff where he barricaded himself inside a stolen vehicle with two handguns.

The incident began around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday when police spotted a vehicle reported stolen earlier in the day after an alleged carjacking on Dominion Road, a major arterial route running through Auckland. Police followed the vehicle, assisted by the Eagle helicopter, as it entered the Southwestern Motorway heading towards East Tāmaki.

According to Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, the driver attempted to evade police by accelerating away when officers initiated a traffic stop while exiting the motorway onto East Tāmaki Road. “The driver was seen driving in a dangerous manner through South Auckland, turning off its lights and reaching high speeds on residential streets,” Tetzlaff stated.

The vehicle re-entered the motorway at State Highway 20, continuing south towards Te Kauwhata. Police deployed road spikes, which eventually caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into wire median dividers.

Upon crashing, the occupant reportedly “barricaded” himself inside the vehicle. Officers observed “live ammunition on his lap,” according to Tetzlaff. The man was subsequently tasered and removed from the vehicle, sustaining a dog bite injury during the arrest.

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,” Tetzlaff said.

A 30-year-old man is now facing charges including failing to stop, reckless driving, receiving stolen property, possession of firearms, and resisting arrest. Police have indicated that further charges related to the initial carjacking may be forthcoming.

Dominion Road, known for its diverse culinary scene and bustling shops, has undergone significant development over the years. Once a tram route in the early 1900s, it has evolved into a major thoroughfare, particularly renowned for its Asian restaurants, with a “Dumplings on Dominion” festival held as recently as 2020, according to AucklandNZ.com. The road stretches 7.3 kilometers from Mount Eden to the Manukau Harbour.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident, standard procedure following such events.