A police dog handler rescued his canine sidekick as his van was stolen by a gunman in Hamilton overnight.
District Commander Superintendent Win van der Velde said the incident began shortly before midnight when the dog handler noticed a wanted vehicle on Gordonton Rd.
"The driver of that car, a white Toyota Soarer, had fled police about 5pm when other officers attempted to stop it and the pursuit was abandoned.
"The dog handler caught up to the Toyota and confirmed it was the vehicle being sought and initiated a pursuit, activating his lights and sirens but the driver failed to stop."
Mr van der Velde said the fleeing driver reached speeds up to 140kmh on rural roads before losing control on a bend near the intersection of Waverley Rd and Holland Rd.
"As the officer approached the stationary car with his dog the driver got out of the passenger side brandishing a handgun and threatened to kill the handler."
The handler backed away, and the suspect reached the police van he started the ignition.
"It appears the dog automatically jumped into the back of the van. While the driver was turning the vehicle around the handler ran to the rear of the vehicle and safely extracted his partner."
Mr van der Velde said the suspect drove east in the stolen van while cordons were set up under the management of the Northern Communications Centre.
Fleet operators were contacted and truck drivers kept police posted about the whereabouts of the van, which was found undamaged this morning at a rural property in Tahuna.
"The actions of the dog handler are highly commendable and speak volumes of the close bonds forged between handlers and their dogs," said Mr van der Velde. "The officer and his dog are both fine and recovering at home."
Mr van der Velde said the support of the public, particularly drivers who updated police on the movements of the stolen vehicle, were also commendable and of great assistance.
"At this point the offender, who has yet to be identified, remains at large and we urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts or identity to contact police by ringing 111. This person is considered armed and should not be approached."
Information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
