A wanted man who was also disqualified from driving was spotted behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle and then led officers on a pursuit at double the speed limit on a busy Northland road, police say.
The car was first seen by officers on Otaika Rd where they signalled for the vehicle to pull over just before 10am yesterday.
The car pulled over but before an officer could get to the driver the vehicle fled.
Whangarei police Senior Sergeant Stephanie Hudson said the man drove along Western Hills Drive and then turned into Russell Rd before avoiding police and driving back on to Western Hills Drive.
The roads were wet at the time and police say the man reached about 100km/h in a 50km/h zone on Western Hills Drive as he travelled north.
The driver turned into Puna Rere Drive and then into Otangarei. Ms Hudson said police set up cordons in the area until officers spotted the abandoned stolen car at a house on William Jones Drive.
When officers made some checks it was discovered the man had a warrant out for his arrest and he was banned from driving.
A 36-year-old man was to appear in Whangarei District Court yesterday on charges of failing to stop, receiving property, driving while disqualified and reckless driving.
Meanwhile, a 17-year-old driver will make a court appearance after an alleged pursuit ended when he crashed into a bank. He was spotted about 11.15am on Wednesday and drove off on Inlet Rd.
It was likely he would face charges of failing to stop and reckless driving.