A Northland man was arrested after a police pursuit lasting more than two hours and involving four stolen vehicles, police dogs, a rammed police car, a plane and a school caretaker on a ride-on lawnmower.
The drama began when a police patrol spotted a stolen car on State Highway 11, between Puketona and Paihia, about 8.45am yesterday.
Another stolen car was found nearby. But the cars took off in different directions and one was found abandoned on Kaipatiki Roadway, off SH11.
Northland police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said a police dog and handler were called to track the driver but were unsuccessful.
While the dog handler was searching for the driver of the abandoned car, the second car was found abandoned in a nearby quarry.