Occupants fled after car spiked: police

A fleeing speeding motorist was pursued by police near Dunedin yesterday, before road spikes were used and the vehicle’s occupants were tracked down.

Two people were arrested — one subsequently released without charge — in relation to the incident.

Road spikes were used and the vehicle was abandoned in Sawyers Bay, where the pair fled on foot.

They were tracked by dogs, found and apprehended yesterday afternoon, a police spokeswoman said.

Armed police were called in as a precaution, she said.

An initial pursuit was called off because the manner of driving had become dangerous.

Otago Daily Times staff witnessed a man in sports clothing, wet and muddy, being apprehended by armed police.

Police were first called about 2.20pm to Henley-Berwick Rd, southwest of Dunedin, after a motorist had been seen speeding.

Police signalled to the driver to stop, the driver failed to do so and there was a short pursuit.

They lost sight of the vehicle, but it was seen again about 4pm.

"Police deployed road spikes, which safely brought the vehicle to a stop in Sawyers Bay," the police spokeswoman said.

"The two occupants of the vehicle then fled on foot.

"Police dogs were used to track the pair and they were located and arrested a short time later."

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said a 21-year-old man would appear in the Dunedin District Court today facing two charges of failing to stop and one of dangerous driving.

A female associate was arrested, but then released. — Additional reporting Tim Scott

grant.miller@odt.co.nz

 

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