Stolen car with dog inside sparks high-speed run across Auckland, driver arrested

A man is before court after stealing a vehicle with a dog inside and driving dangerously across Auckland on Wednesday.

Authorities were called to Lincoln Street, Ponsonby about 1pm on April 15 after a dog walker’s car was taken. Inside was Otis, a Border Collie.

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The vehicle was sighted in Onehunga soon after. Spikes were deployed but the driver continued northbound.

Cameras tracked the vehicle moving at high speed, overtaking traffic and creating risk across multiple roads.

The car entered Mount Wellington where a police unit signalled for the driver to stop. The driver failed to comply and no pursuit was initiated.

Members of the public reported sightings and direction of travel, assisting police units to narrow the search.

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The vehicle was located at a nearby property and officers established a cordon and found the offender on site. He had changed clothing but was identified and arrested.

Otis was found safe and returned to the dog walker.

A 31-year-old man faces charges including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving while disqualified. He is due to appear in Auckland District Court on April 17.

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