A Cromwell teenager will face six charges in the Dunedin District Court today after allegedly pointing a nailgun at a policeman early on Saturday in Cromwell, then driving off and reaching speeds of up to 150kmh before crashing the vehicle he was driving south of Alexandra.
The 17-year-old was on home detention and allegedly cut off his electronic ankle bracelet before causing "extensive damage" to the Cairnmuir Cres house he was living in, Sergeant Mike Williams, of Cromwell, said.
Police were called to the house about 3.30am on Saturday and the first officer on the scene was met by a youth who pointed a nailgun at him, then chased him down the street, Sgt Williams said.
"The officer retreated to a safe location and continued to watch the activities of the youth while calling for back-up from the Alexandra station."
The youth then struck the police car with the nailgun, breaking the windscreen and two front windows and damaging the bonnet, he said.
The teenager then drove off towards Alexandra.
Police attempted to stop him in Alexandra using flashing lights and sirens but the youth continued towards Roxburgh, reaching up to 150kmh on State Highway 8 in "atrocious" driving conditions, Sgt Williams said.
"The road was wet and there was sleet falling."
The vehicle pulled away from the police car, which dropped back.
At Fruitlands, about 14km south of Alexandra, the police came across the vehicle, crashed.
The youth received minor injuries in the crash and was taken to Dunstan Hospital for treatment.
He was discharged later that day and taken to Dunedin.
The youth faces charges of aggravated assault, possessing an airgun during the commission of an offence, two counts of criminal damage, theft of a motor vehicle, and a charge of driving recklessly causing injury.
