A dangerous dash down the Southern Motorway has parked a man in custody.
Just after 9pm on Tuesday night, a Toyota Hilux was allegedly being driven dangerously on State Highway 1.
At the same time an off-duty Police member was also heading south, past Papakura.
“The Hilux was seen swerving within its lane, across multiple lanes, and failing to indicate,” Counties Manukau South Area Commander, Inspector Jared Pirret says.
“Concerningly there were several near misses with other motorists, which is very concerning for us.”
Shortly afterward, the vehicle exited at Drury and the Northern Emergency Communications and Dispatch centre was notified.
Police also established the vehicle was stolen.
Units were dispatched to the area.
Inspector Pirret says Police located the Hilux parked at a petrol station on Great South Road.
“A man was located inside the store, our staff approached him, before he allegedly provided Police false details.”
Enquiries soon established he was the driver.
The 40-year-old man was arrested and will be appearing in the Papakura District Court today.
He has been charged with dangerous driving, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified and giving false information.
Inspector Pirret says Police are opposing the man’s bail.
“I acknowledge our staff member’s vigilance and commitment to keeping our communities safe, even while off duty,” he says.
“This behaviour on our roads is unacceptable, and it’s fortunate we could intervene before someone was seriously injured.”
