Fleeing driver arrested

Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in relation to a fleeing driver incident last week.

On Thursday afternoon, about 3pm, a highway patrol officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle on State Highway One near Salmon Road, Ruakaka. The officer attempted to arrest the driver on an outstanding warrant, but he evaded arrest and drove off at high speed.
He was clocked by a traffic camera van travelling at speeds in excess of 200km/h.

On Saturday afternoon, as a result of information received from the public, the offender, a patched Headhunter Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member, was located at an Otaika address and arrested without incident.

He will be appearing in the Whangarei District Court today charged with theft, assaulting police, failing to stop, reckless driving, resisting police and escaping from custody.

The fleeing driver incident was one of three that occurred on Thursday.

About midday police executed a search warrant at an address in Ohawini Bay near Oakura.

During the search, police located tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property including a cabin, a small digger, timber, water tanks and a considerable amount of construction tools and equipment. The address appears to have been set up with stolen property.
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During the search a 35-year-old man arrived at the address and immediately fled from Police in a vehicle along the beach. Police subsequently abandoned the pursuit due to the risk to the public.

Also in that afternoon a third fleeing driver incident occurred when a 32-year-old man was seen at a Whangarei service station stealing grocery items.
The man drove off and police followed, but again abandoned the pursuit due to the risk to the public.

Northland Police Criminal Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Kevin Burke says Police is aware of those responsible for the other fleeing driver incidents and will track them down.

“Police is firmly focused on catching those responsible for these incidents, given the significant risk they pose to other road users and the complete lack of regard for their safety.

Mr Burke says Police believe the outstanding offenders are also connected to the Headhunters.

“While we have a number of firm leads regarding these offenders, we urge the public to report to police any suspicious activity they believe is connected to organised crime or any activity that could be criminal.”

“People also have the option of calling the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they want to remain anonymous.”

ENDS

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