To be attributed to Inspector Craig Scott, Christchurch Police:
Police have arrested a wanted man following a series of events involving a stolen vehicle across the Kaiapoi and Belfast areas today.
The stolen vehicle was first identified travelling in the Kaiapoi area this morning, before later being sighted in Belfast.
Upon Police arrival in the area, the driver is believed to have become aware of the Police presence and left the area, colliding with a member of the public's vehicle as they drove away. No injuries were reported as a result of this collision.
A short time later, Police located the stolen vehicle abandoned in Dickies Road.
Further enquiries led Police to locate the man in the middle of Otukaikino Stream. Attending officers engaged with the man, who was refusing to come out of the water, with the assistance of the Police Negotiation Team.
After a period of negotiation, the man was taken into custody without further incident.
Due to his immersion in cold water, the man was assessed by ambulance staff prior to being transported from the scene.
The 43-year-old man has been arrested on a warrant to arrest and for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in Christchurch District Court on 1 April.
Police thank members of the public for their cooperation and patience while the incident was resolved.
