Police tracked the car across Auckland before spiking the tyres on the North Shore. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A man who drove erratically across Auckland this morning before crashing into another car and being arrested by armed police was wanted on more than 20 warrants.
Police said the man fled in his car from officers near Auckland Airport at 8am on Tuesday, and hit a member of the public's car near Totara Vale on the North Shore 50 minutes later before it was brought to a halt.
Officers near Auckland Airport had identified it as a vehicle of interest, and approached it to speak with the occupants, police said.
Acting Waitematā East Area prevention manager Inspector Tim Williams said the car fled at high speed.
"Officers have elected not to pursue the vehicle and a short time later Eagle has observed it travelling at speed on State Highway 20," he said.
"The driver has continued on through Auckland and into the North Shore, where it exited and briefly went into a nearly underground carpark where it's believed passengers were dropped off."
Police said the car kept driving dangerously, overtaking traffic, running red lights and driving on the footpath.
It was spiked near Totara Vale, but continued driving, and hit a member of the public's vehicle, causing minor damage.
The tyres eventually disintegrated, and armed units, including the Delta dog team, arrested the 38-year-old driver.
He is due to appear in North Shore District Court tomorrow on a number of charges.
Williams said it was incredibly lucky no one was injured.
"Other road users should not expect to have their safety put at risk like it was this morning during peak hour traffic. It's completely unacceptable."
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