Car crashes into police car after chase in Welcome Bay, Tauranga

Traffic manages to flow past a crash between a stolen Mazda and a stationary police car following a police pursuit on Welcome Bay Rd. Photo/Andrew Warner

A 15-minute police pursuit through Western Bay of Plenty ended abruptly when a stolen car crashed into a stationary police car, yesterday.

The crash prompted the closure of Welcome Bay Rd, at the intersection of Kaitemako Rd, for a short time about 2pm.

It followed a police chase of a stolen car in Welcome Bay. The pursuit is understood to have travelled to State Highway 2 towards Mount Maunganui before returning to Welcome Bay Rd and travelling towards the city.

Acting Senior Sergeant Matthew Moorehead told the Bay of Plenty Times police saw a car, reported as stolen on the automated number plate recognition system, in Welcome Bay.

Police tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly did not stop.

Moorehead said police laid road spikes and the driver allegedly tried to avoid them, crashing into the parked police car on Welcome Bay Rd.

The driver was not injured, Moorehead said.

The road was blocked for a short time but had since reopened. He did not believe there was anyone else in the car.

Moorehead said a man was helping police with inquiries.