Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said officers attempted to stop a vehicle after it was clocked driving at 142kmh in a 100kmh zone on State Highway 1 near Henley about 6.30pm on Thursday.
The 18-year-old driver fled, reaching speeds of up to 180kmh and overtaking into oncoming traffic.
The pursuit was abandoned and the driver was last seen turning in the direction of Taieri Mouth.
Distraction caused the driver to crash down a bank into some bushes about 40 minutes later, as he was on the phone telling his friends about running away from police, Snr Sgt Bond said.
The driver was breath-tested and recorded a breath-alcohol reading of 307mcg, Snr Sgt Bond said.
He was charged with dangerous driving, aggravated failing to stop and drink-driving.
Automobile Association district council Otago chairman Malcolm Budd said the behaviour of the driver was "totally irresponsible".
When people were signalled to stop by a police officer, they should do so.
People were pulled over for a reason, and fleeing only put themselves, the public and police at risk, Mr Budd said.
"You’re not going to get away with it," he said.
The road toll was out of control and police could only do so much.
Ultimately, people needed to take some personal responsibility.
"Imagine if he had hit someone head-on," Mr Budd said.
The most recent road policing data shows there were 464 fleeing driver incidents in the Southern district in the year to September 2022.
Police pursuit policy was changed in December 2020, following a string of high-profile deaths.
In the 12 months prior to the policy change, there were 238 fleeing driver incidents in the Southern district.
The policy is set to be reviewed this year and a new framework for police pursuits introduced.
