Sharp-eyed Eagle provided oversight of two arrests for separate fleeing drivers incidents in Tāmaki Makaurau overnight.
In Auckland City, Police were made aware of a vehicle believed to be stolen travelling on Khyber Pass Road, around 12.30am.
Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, says Police signalled for the vehicle to stop, however it left the area at speed.
“Police units elected not to pursue, and the vehicles movements were tracked before the Police Air Support unit were able to get overhead to provide further assistance.
“The vehicle was monitored as it travelled southbound on Manukau Road towards State Highway 20, at times travelling at an excessive speed.”
The vehicle eventually came to a stop outside an address in Randwick Place where the driver was taken into custody without incident.
Inspector Dolheguy says the 29-year-old male will appear in the Auckland District Court today.
“The male will face multiple driving related charges.”
A short time later, further south, the Police Eagle helicopter was in action again.
At 1.30am, Police were notified of another stolen vehicle travelling in East Tamaki.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the vehicle, observed on Highbrook Drive, was reported stolen in a burglary in Takanini on Wednesday 21 February.
“The vehicle was observed as it travelled into Sir Woolf Fisher Drive, a dead-end street.
“As Delta, the Police dog unit, approached the vehicle, they attempted to leave the area but were immediately spiked by Police.
“The driver has then attempted to evade Police on foot but keen-eyed Eagle were watching his movements carefully.”
The 30-year-old male was taken into custody a short time later with no issues.
Inspector Cook says, of note, a set of number plates relating to a second stolen vehicle were located in the vehicle.
“Police allege these are linked to a second vehicle reported stolen in the earlier burglary on Wednesday.”
The male will appear in the Manukau District Court today in relation to both incidents.
ENDS.
Anna Thompson/NZ Police