Police claim a man charged over a fatal car crash in Auckland deliberately rammed a patrol car as officers were trying to find him after he threatened suicide.
Cornelis Klein, 50, appeared in the North Shore District Court on Wednesday charged with dangerous driving after the crash involving eight cars on Tuesday.
Michael Plimmer, 71, of Albany died at the scene after his car was crushed by another.
The collision occured at the intersection of Rosedale and Bush roads in the suburb of Albany.
Police earlier said they were heading for an unrelated emergency callout when the crash happened.
But it is now believed officers had been called out to find Mr Klein after he threatened to take his own life and came across him in a jeep at an intersection.
Mr Klein was remanded for psychiatric assessment. No plea was entered.
Police say they have not ruled laying other charges.
