Fleeing driver in stolen car stopped with spikes

On Wednesday night (25 February 2015) Police received a report that a metallic blue Nissan bluebird had been stolen from Murchison at around midnight.

At approximately 8.15am this morning the same vehicle was reported as being involved in a petrol drive off at the Lewis Pass garage at Springs Junction.

The quick actions of the garage staff reporting the offence enabled local officers to keep an eye out for the car.

It was located just under an hour later on SH7 north of Hanmer Springs.

The driver did not stop when signalled by Police and a pursuit was abandoned due to the manner of driving of the fleeing vehicle. The vehicle was stopped a short time later by deploying spikes. The driver fled the vehicle on foot leaving the car in the middle of the state highway.

Cordons were established in the area where he was last seen and members of the public assisted Police with sightings. The fleeing driver was located shortly after 9.30am hiding in a hedge a short distance away from the road.

A 14 year old male youth was arrested and charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, theft of petrol, failing to stop for red/blue lights and driving while forbidden.

Canterbury Police would like to thank the public for their help this morning and their patience while cordons were in place.

ENDS

© Scoop Media