Two arrested after dangerous driving incident in Tauranga

Police with a vehicle on the forecourt of Z Petrol Station on the corner of Cameron Rd and 11th Ave in Tauranga. Photo / Bijou Johnson

Two people have been arrested following reports of dangerous driving involving a stolen vehicle in Tauranga.

Police were alerted to the vehicle shortly after 7am in Bethlehem, acting Senior Sergeant Russell Owen said.

Owen said the vehicle was of interest in relation to an aggravated robbery in Waihī on May 7.

“When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled at speed and was reported driving dangerously, including on the wrong side of State Highway 2 through an area with blind corners and narrow bridges.”

Due to the risk to the public, road spikes were deployed ahead of the vehicle.

Owen said the vehicle came to a stop near the intersection of Cameron Rd and 11th Ave about 7.50am.

“Two occupants abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but they were quickly located and taken into custody.”

The vehicle has been uplifted for further investigation. No injuries were reported.

Owen thanked members of the public for making prompt reports on the vehicle.

“We appreciate the information received from the public, as well as everyone’s patience while traffic was temporarily disrupted,” he said.

“This was excellent teamwork and together we were able to bring this incident to a safe resolution and take the two offenders into custody.”

Two women are due to appear in Tauranga District Court following this morning's incident.

One woman, age 29, was due to appear in the Tauranga District Court this afternoon on multiple driving and property offences.

Another woman, age 25, was charged with property offences and due in court on May 18.