A fleeing moped rider in possession of drugs and loaded firearms could not escape a police dog team early yesterday morning, August 24.
The 38-year-old south Auckland man was noticed after pulling out in front of a police car in Hamilton. The moped had been spraypainted and its licence plate covered.
“He took off when the red and blue lights were deployed, then abandoned the stolen moped in a residential area and continued the getaway on foot,” says Senior Sergeant David Raffan.
“A police dog unit tracked him through the area, briefly losing the trail as the pursuit crossed a public space, but it wasn’t long before his scent was picked up again. The dog rooted out the man [who was] hiding beneath a tree.”
The man was in possession of a loaded shotgun and pistol, ammunition, drugs, drug paraphernalia and a protective vest, Raffan confirms.
He will appear in Hamilton District Court today facing firearms and traffic charges.
“This person went to considerable lengths to avoid police, but he was unable to outrun the police dog team,” Raffan adds. “Given what was subsequently found in his backpack, we are pleased these items are off the street and the man was taken into custody without further incident.
Police are attempting to find the rightful owner of the moped.
