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New Zealand Police have arrested a man after officers on patrol in an unmarked vehicle were followed by a car impersonating a Police vehicle in Counties Manukau last night, December 20.
Inspector Kerry Watson said officers became aware of a station wagon following them that was fitted with flashing red and blue lights, typically used by Police to signal a vehicle to pull over.
“Our officers were perplexed and quickly clocked the car was not Police-official,” Watson said.
“It took a few moments for the impersonator to realise the vehicle they were signalling to pull over was Police, and they quickly tried to evade the area to avoid being caught.”
Police caught up with the vehicle a short distance away and arrested the driver without incident.
A 38-year-old man is due to appear in the Manukau District Court on December 24, charged with impersonating a Police officer and excess breath alcohol.
“The offender was impersonating Police, and to boot, was over twice the legal breath alcohol limit,” Watson said.
“It’s bad enough that this person thought it was okay to impersonate a Police car. It’s even worse to see impaired and dangerous driving.”
Police said impersonating an officer or representing a vehicle as a Police vehicle is an offence under the Policing Act 2008.
Members of the public are reminded to call 111 if they witness suspicious or criminal behaviour in progress, or 105 if it is after the fact.
