Police officer injured, 21-year-old arrested after 'brazen and alarming' carjacking in Whangarei

The man will likely face a range of charges.
The man will likely face a range of charges. Photo credit: Getty

A 21-year-old has been arrested for a carjacking police have described as "brazen and alarming".

On Thursday morning the man pulled a woman from her car on Kamo Road in Whangarei. He punched her in the face and then sped away in the stolen car. 

Police chased the man for less than a minute before he ditched the car and sprinted to try and steal another car on Riverside Road.

When police caught up the man fought back, injuring an officer's hand in the process.

The man will likely face a range of charges for the carjacking. Whangarei area commander Inspector Marty Ruth said the "alarming" offending was "brazen".

"I want to acknowledge the actions of staff who were able to act quickly to apprehend the offender and resolve the incident without further harm being caused to the public."