Man arrested after Audi rams police car on Southern Motorway
Monday 28 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
A man was arrested on Monday afternoon after allegedly driving a black Audi erratically near Mangatāwhiri. Following a pursuit, the driver reportedly rammed a police vehicle and attempted to flee on foot across the Southern Motorway near Bombay. Police suspect impairment may have played a role in the incident.
Key facts
5 facts
- A man was arrested following a pursuit on the Southern Motorway near Drury
- The incident involved a black Audi driving erratically on SH2 near Mangatāwhiri
- Police used spikes to deflate three tyres on the vehicle
- The driver was spotted travelling north on SH1 near Bombay
- Police suspect impairment may have been a factor in the driving
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A man was arrested on the roadside near Drury after allegedly attempting to flee police on foot. The arrest followed a pursuit on the southbound lanes of the Southern Motorway.
The incident began around 4pm on Monday when police received reports of a black Audi driving erratically on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri. Highway Patrol officers later spotted the vehicle travelling north on SH1 near Bombay.
The driver allegedly failed to stop and made contact with a patrol vehicle, though no extensive damage was caused. Police used spikes to deflate three of the Audi's tyres, after which the vehicle continued north at a slow speed.
The police Eagle helicopter monitored the driver, who was observed speeding up, slowing down, and driving across both lanes. Inspector Peter Raynes said, "Further enquiries are to be made but given the driver’s behaviour police suspect impairment may be a factor".
Where reports differ
- One report notes the erratic driving was reported near Pōkeno, while the other specifies Mangatāwhiri
Compiled from reports by 1News and NZ Herald.