A manhunt is under way for a driver who fled from police in Te Anau.
Police are searching for David Wilson in relation to fleeing driver incident earlier today and want to hear from anyone who knows where he is.
They believe the 51-year-old has a firearm and should not be approached.
Officers pursued the vehicle for about 30 minutes, during which time it was spiked. The vehicle came to a stop about 10am on Tutoko Lane, and the man fled on foot.
A large police presence, including dog units and a helicopter, continue to search for the man, and armed police were seen entering properties on Ramparts Rd, nearly opposite the entrance to Kakapo Rd, about 4.30pm.
About half an hour earlier, a police car with damage to the front on the driver's side was towed away.
Anyone who sees anyone behaving suspiciously in the area, or sees anyone on their property they do not recognise, is asked to call 111 immediately.
Police including a dog and its handler searched a nearby field.
Police blocked the entrance to the road and told people they could not stop.
A resident of nearby Tutoko Lane said she had received a phone call telling her to stay inside her home.
Southern Lakes Helicopter chief pilot Sir Richard Hayes, who lives near Te Anau, said a helicopter had picked up members of the Invercargill Armed Offenders Squad from near Winton to fly them to the scene.
He said officers and a police dog had come through his section on Tutoko Lane searching for a person, but he did not think anyone had been on the property.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said SH94 was closed between the intersections with Sandy Brown Rd and Kakapo Rd.
