A knife-wielding man who allegedly threatened road workers, drove at speeds of at least 180km/h, crashed into an Auckland Airport security gate and then assaulted a police officer has been arrested.
According to a statement from Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward of Counties Manukau police, officers were told just after midnight on Tuesday morning that a 46-year-old man had presented a knife to traffic management staff on Auckland's Southern motorway near Takanini.
The man is said to have then fled the scene, driving "extremely recklessly reaching speeds of at least 180km/h" with a police Eagle helicopter overhead. Police did not, however, pursue the vehicle.
"The offender ended up driving all the way to Auckland Airport and drove into a security gate which leads onto the tarmac, before ditching the car," Det Snr Sgt Hayward said.
"Police have approached the male who presented a knife at them. He was tasered and arrested. During this incident one of our officers suffered a nasty assault and was punched in the face."
The officer had swelling and bruising, while the alleged offender appeared in Manukau District Court on Tuesday on a number of charges, including aggravated assault, threatening to kill and driving offences. He was granted bail, according to reports.
