A 27-year-old man is facing serious charges after a fleeing driver incident that damaged vehicles and caused over a dozen driving complaints between Hurunui and Christchurch this afternoon.
Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison says the alleged driver put members of the public at significant risk with his driving, which damaged at least two cars and caused 16 separate driving complaints.
"It is extremely fortunate that nobody was seriously injured or killed."
Police first signalled the blue Ford Falcon to stop in the Hurunui District about 3.20pm after detecting it travelling at speed. The driver failed to stop, but it was not pursued at that moment.
"As the vehicle travelled south, we received a number of reports from concerned motorists. Those reports, combined with traffic camera footage, allowed us to track its movements through Culverden, Amberley and Waikuku towards Harewood," says Senior Sergeant Ellison.
"Despite Police not following the car, the driver was seen undertaking vehicles, driving through red lights, travelling the wrong way around roundabouts, and colliding with several vehicles while forcing his way through intersections."
Senior Sergeant Ellison says the vehicle was located abandoned on Alexandra Street in Richmond about 4.30pm.
"A Police dog unit located the alleged driver a short distance away and he was taken into custody.
"Our enquiries remain in the early stages, but we are considering a number of serious charges relating to the incident.
"I want to thank the members of the public who contacted us. Their information was instrumental in helping us track the vehicle and bring the incident to a safe conclusion."
Police are now seeking dashcam footage or video recordings of the distinctive blue Ford Falcon.
Anyone who can assist is asked to file a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Update report", or by calling 105. Please use the reference number P066754732.
