A police spokeswoman said police were continuing inquiries and they were not looking for anyone else over the incident.
Circumstances remained unclear, but it appeared that no drink-driving was involved, but there may have been a family disagreement - perhaps initially elsewhere - she said this morning.
Asked if the disagreement may have continued among occupants of the car before the crashes, the spokeswoman said the situation was not fully clear.
Although the outcome was also unclear, police took the full circumstances into account in dealing with aspects of family disagreements when it came to considering any potential charges, she said.
Police were called to North Dunedin shortly before 10pm after the motorist collided first with a parked car in Craigleith St, and then - moments later- crashed for second time just metres down the road, while trying to flee the area.
An Otago Daily Times reporter in the area said the motorist appeared to have given up on driving after that, fleeing on foot while police with dogs scoured the area.
The empty car was found near Montrose St, just around the corner from Craigleith St, but police said the search had continued late on Monday night.
