The police spokeswoman said an officer spotted the vehicle that the stolen items were allegedly passed to, which was also reported stolen, and signalled for it to stop.
The vehicle fled and police did not pursue it, but they were able to locate it with the help of the public a short time later when it crashed with four youths inside.
“No other vehicle was involved. Two of the occupants were taken to hospital to receive medical attention, and two others were taken into custody,” the police spokeswoman said.
Firefighters helped pull one person out after a crash, about 4.15am, according to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman.
A Hato Hone St John spokesman said they attended the incident and took two people in serious condition to Hawke’s Bay Hospital.
A Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay spokeswoman said a female in her teens was still being assessed in ED, while a male in his teens was still in a serious condition at 10.45am Monday.
The police spokeswoman said all four youths will be referred to Youth Services.