A police dog handler had to use his vehicle to stop a fleeing car that had led police on a high-speed chase through Whangarei, even after one of its tyres was shredded by road spikes.
The drama started about 1.20pm yesterday after police received reports of suspicious activity at a house
in Tutukaka Block Rd.
It was believed two men in a Holden Commodore had been trying to burgle the house. Area commander Inspector Paul Dimery said people who phoned the police did a good job of getting the details of the suspect car.
As police cars rushed to the scene they passed the Holden heading at speed back towards Whangarei.
Mr Dimery said the car was travelling so fast it was risking public safety. Road spikes, designed to deflate the tyres and stop the car, were deployed at Glenbervie. "The spikes were effective, but the driver chose to drive on the rims of the tyres," Mr Dimery said.
At least one of the Holden's tyres was shredded and Mr Dimery said continuing to drive on the rims was "exceptionally dangerous".
He said the pursuing police cars had their lights flashing and it was clear the driver of the Holden was not going to stop, even after hitting the road spikes.
As the Holden entered Tikipunga the dog handler decided to stop the car at the intersection of Kiripaka and Aratiatia Rds, before it entered the built-up residential area.
The car would have travelled at least two kilometres on the rim before being forced to stop.
Immediately after being stopped the car was surrounded by police and the two men inside arrested.
Mr Dimery said the pair were still being interviewed late yesterday. They were likely to appear in the Whangarei District Court today.
