Police lay charges following fleeing driver incident

Christchurch Police have laid charges following the pursuit of a vehicle in Christchurch city this morning (30 October 2014).

During routine patrols the car was seen driving erratically along Marshland Road and a decision was made to stop it. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was called off on Linwood Ave due to the danger to other road users.

A short time later the vehicle was seen in the Hillmorton area of Christchurch and Police set up cordons in an attempt to stop it.

Police found the fleeing vehicle in a no exit road where it is alleged that a Police car was rammed twice. The vehicle is then reported to have driven towards a Police officer who was attempting to arrest the fleeing driver. The officer leapt out of the path of the vehicle and was lucky to escape injury.

After a significant struggle between the fleeing driver, Police and a Police Dog and Dog Handler the driver was tasered and arrested.

An officer injured during the arrest was treated for a lacerations to their hand at the scene by colleagues. Another officer received back injuries after their patrol vehicle was rammed by the fleeing driver. One of the two passengers was taken to Christchurch Hospital for treatment for a dog bite on their hand but discharged themselves without treatment.

The driver appeared in Christchurch District Court today charged with Driving While Disqualified, Failing to Stop, Reckless Driving, Assault With A Weapon, Possession Of Methamphetamine, Possession Of Cannabis and Possession Of Drug Utensils. One of the two passengers had a Warrant To Arrest and also appeared in Christchurch District Court today.

Police investigations into the activities of the three men in the vehicle are continuing.

ENDS

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