2am car-chase drama

A teen led police on an early morning chase yesterday after he failed to stop for a patrol.

Sergeant Mike Sutton said the pursuit started near Renall St in Masterton just after 2am, following reports from members of the public of a vehicle doing burnouts in the Renall St, Hillcrest area and in the Grey St, Lincoln Rd area.

"That vehicle was seen by a patrol, which attempted to stop it. It failed to stop and, as a result, there was a pursuit that headed south out of town."

The pursuit lasted for about half an hour, with the driver eventually pulling over and stopping in Greytown after seeing another patrol.

Mr Sutton said: "They have definitely exceeded the speed limit.

"Our guys had estimated their speed at around 110-120km/h.

"It's obviously a dangerous situation. Police don't want to be involved in pursuits any more than members of the public want to see us, because of the danger involved, but when we do have to become involved in a pursuit we have to constantly evaluate that risk to members of the public and to ourselves."

Two occupants of the car were taken into police custody.

An 18-year-old male had been identified as the driver and had been charged with dangerous driving.

"He was tested for alcohol. He had been drinking but was under the limit. His explanation was that he thought he was over the limit, which is why he didn't stop," Mr Sutton said.

There were no other vehicles involved and no vehicles were damaged.