Toyota Hilux driver fleeing police on Awatoto Beach arrested after ute stuck in sand

Police arrested a man after a pursuit ended when his ute got stuck on Awatoto Beach near Napier.

Police have arrested a 37-year-old man after a ute fled from officers in Napier before becoming stranded on a beach at Awatoto on Saturday night.

A police spokeswoman said the driver failed to stop for police in Marewa about 9pm, leading to a chase through the city, before the vehicle became stuck on the sand at Awatoto Beach.

“The sole occupant was arrested at Waitangi Park shortly before midnight,” the spokeswoman said.

The man is due to appear in the Napier District Court on Tuesday on a range of driving-related charges.

The vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, was not stolen, police said.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said it was made aware of the stranded vehicle on Sunday evening and staff attended the site.

“Members of the public had made attempts to recover the vehicle on Sunday evening, but these were unsuccessful,” a council spokesperson said.

“Due to safety concerns and limited access, it wasn’t possible to remove the vehicle last night.”

Conditions improved on Monday morning, allowing recovery efforts to proceed, the spokesperson said.

“The vehicle’s owner has since managed to recover the vehicle from the surf and is in the process of moving it back on to the road.

“Council staff are on site to provide help if needed to contain any hydrocarbon leaks or spills.”