Police box car near Wattie’s factory in Hastings, one person in custody

A red-and-black hatchback appears to have been boxed in by two unmarked police cars outside the Wattie's factory in Hastings. Photo / Jack Riddell

An unmarked police car was damaged but drivable after it was crashed into by a person driving a stolen car during an attempt to stop it, police say.

One person was taken into custody after the crash blocked a road outside the Wattie’s factory in Mahora, Hastings, on Monday.

The stolen car, a red-and-black hatchback, came to a stop after it was boxed in by two unmarked police cars near the roundabout of Nelson St North and Frederick St West about 10am.

Frederick St West was blocked as of 10.15am but open by 11am.

A police spokesperson said they had spotted a car that had been reported for driving dangerously, erratically and at speed in Hastings around 9.30am.

“Police followed at distance and called for further units.

“No pursuit was signalled or initiated by police, yet the driver fled.”

Police blocked the car on Frederick St but the vehicle “crashed into a police unit while trying to get away”, the spokesperson said.

“The vehicles remain drivable. No injuries were reported, and enquiries since have determined that the vehicle was stolen.”

The car crashed into an unmarked police vehicle while it was being boxed outside the Wattie's factory in Hastings, police say. Photo / Jack Riddell