Napier-Taupō Rd crash: Police spike fleeing vehicle, arrest two after chase through bush

Police said it was “very fortunate” that no one was injured in the incident.

A driver avoided two sets of police spikes but couldn’t avoid a third, crashing a car off a Hawke’s Bay highway and sparking a foot chase through bush.

About 11.20am today, police saw a car of interest on State Highway 5, the Napier Taupō Rd, heading towards Hawke’s Bay.

Because of the manner of its driving, police did not initially pursue it but maintained sight of it.

About 11.25am, police signalled for it to stop, but it failed to do so, a spokesperson said.

“A pursuit was then authorised. However, this was abandoned almost instantly because of the dangerous manner of driving.”

At 11.27am, the driver took evasive action around road spikes laid near Tataraakina Rd in Tarawera.

The driver then dodged a second set of spikes in Te Hāroto just minutes later.

About 11.40am, the vehicle was successfully spiked near Te Pōhue Loop Rd, causing it to crash off the road.

“The two occupants of the vehicle have then fled from chasing police on foot.

“A dog unit was then called in to assist the search for the occupants, who were located and taken into custody just before 12.30pm.”

Police said it was “very fortunate” that no one was injured in the incident.