Police seek public's help in locating fleeing driver

Waikato Police seeking a fleeing driver who fled at speed along the wrong side of the road are seeking the public's help in locating him and removing a risk from the roads.

Acting District Road Policing manager, Inspector Dana McDonald, said the black 2002 Subaru legacy saloon, registration number EPR775, was detected travelling on SH1 south of Hamilton at a speed of 119km/h in an 80km/h speed zone about 9.55pm yesterday.

"Attempting to get the driver to pull over our, the officer activated his lights and sirens but the driver fled off at speed and a pursuit was initiated under the management of the Police Northern Communications Centre.

"The pursuit was abandoned a short time later after the driver turned on to Airport Rd after taking the Tamahere off-ramp and then did a U-turn, driving south in the northbound lane of the Tamahere Expressway."

Mr McDonald said given the reckless nature of the fleeing driver's behaviour, immediately abandoning the pursuit was the right option course of action.

"The Subaru was last seen heading towards Duncan Rd in Tamahere and has not been seen since.

"The car is not believed to have been stolen as we have identified the registered owner who on-sold the vehicle to a young man in Auckland three weeks ago.

The car has also been seen driving in the North Hamilton and Ngaruawahia areas.

Mr McDonald said Police are seeking the public's help in locating the car and driver to remove a risk posed to all road users using the Waikato roading network.

"We're asking that anyone who see the car or knows who the identity of the driver makes contact with Constable Will Hamilton of the Waikato Highway Patrol on 07 858 6200.

At the same time we would encourage the driver of the car to consider his current position and make contact with Police."

Alternatively, Mr McDonald said information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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