Fatal Crash After Abandoned Police Pursuit

At around 9.30am this morning Police were called by relatives of a 45
year-old man who reported that he was in an agitated state, and there were
serious concerns for his welfare.

Police checks made at the man's home and work failed to locate him.

Shortly before 10am, a vehicle matching the description of the man's car was
seen by a Police patrol in Greenhithe. The driver failed to stop for Police
and a brief pursuit was initiated by Police after they activated their lights
and sirens.

The pursuit lasted approximately one minute, but due to concerns for public
safety, the pursuit was abandoned,and ground units withdrew from the pursuit.
The Police Eagle Helicopter observed the car's movements from a distance.

Approximately 25 minutes after the pursuit had been abandoned, the Eagle
Helicopter saw the car pull into the driveway of a residential property in
Wairere Road, Waitakere.

The driver then drove out of the driveway, and as a Police unit approached
the car from approximately 300 metres away, he drove off towards Horsman
Road. The Police unit did not pursue the vehicle.

Tragically, a short time later, the vehicle drove down a gravel road at
speed, through a fence and over a steep paddock, before driving off a bluff
onto flat ground.

The Eagle helicopter landed in an attempt to provide first aid however the
driver died at the scene

The circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated by Police and
have been referred to the IPCA.

The man's next of kin are being informed and his name will not be released
until that process has been completed.

ENDS

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