A 35-year-old Uruguayan man, based in Southland on a working visa and allegedly driving without a licence, is expected to appear in the Queenstown District Court today on charges of reckless driving, failure to stop, failure to stop and ascertain, theft, being unlawfully in a building and being unlawfully on a property.
Police received reports from motorists of erratic driving in the resort by a man alone in a blue Mazda sedan, which was weaving while slowing down, then speeding up.
Sergeant Kate Pirovano, of Queenstown, yesterday said police initiated a vehicle stop, but the driver allegedly sped out of town on the 80kmh-limit Gorge Rd at speeds estimated between 120kmh and 150kmh.
''Police abandoned the pursuit closer to Arthurs Point and the driver of the vehicle, seconds later, lost control while trying to overtake in the opposite lane,'' Sgt Pirovano said.
The Uruguayan's car allegedly collided with a silver car driven by a Queenstown man with his two children.
The family were shaken but not injured, Sgt Pirovano said.
The Uruguayan allegedly abandoned his sedan on the side of Gorge Rd and ran off across farm property, then rugged terrain where he could not be immediately located.
A man fitting the driver's description was reported to be acting suspiciously in Arthurs Point yesterday, looking into cars and rubbish bins. Police were also able to identify the man from property found in his car.
Sgt Pirovano said the offender evaded police for a couple of hours, but was eventually caught with the help of Shotover Jet staff.
Ngai Tahu Tourism Southern regional general manager David Kennedy, of Queenstown, yesterday said he understood Shotover Jet staff were aware police were seeking someone.
Staff saw the man around Big Beach, underneath the first canyon by Trelawn Place, and notified police, Mr Kennedy said.
The man was allegedly found in possession of two stolen bush shirts, the owners of which are urged to contact police.
''Police are grateful for the public's assistance and are looking for witnesses to the erratic driving in and around Queenstown prior to the crash, particularly around Gorge Rd,'' Sgt Pirovano said.
''If anyone, particularly in the Arthurs Point area, has discovered any offences, we'd like to hear from them to ascertain whether they are related to this person we have in custody.''
