A man accused of carrying out an armed robbery at an Auckland pizza restaurant was arrested after making an unexpected stop at a drive-thru, leading to a police pursuit late Tuesday night.
Police were called to Sandringham Road around 10.15 pm after reports that a man entered a pizza store armed with a machete. According to Sergeant Ian Lambarth, the suspect threatened staff and forced them into a cooler room during the incident.
"The store’s till was stolen before the offender left the store," Lambarth said. "Fortunately, no one at the store suffered any physical injuries."
After the robbery, police identified a stolen Volkswagen Golf leaving the scene. The vehicle was later spotted at a drive-thru in Māngere, where officers moved in.
Lambarth said police deployed spikes as the vehicle attempted to flee, but the driver continued at speed towards State Highway 1.
"The Golf was spiked a second time as it exited the motorway network," Lambarth said.
The pursuit ended on Beach Road after all four tyres were successfully spiked, bringing the vehicle to a stop.
A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, failing to stop, and receiving stolen property. He is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court.
A 17-year-old passenger in the vehicle has been referred to Youth Aid.
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