Man arrested after fleeing police in stolen vehicle

Police are still trying to locate a second man who is believed to have been the driver. Photo / Gerard O'Brien, Otago Daily Times

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in Dunedin for fleeing police in a stolen vehicle.

The incident began when an officer identified two men who police were looking for in relation to a stolen vehicle from Timaru.

The men got into the stolen vehicle and, after being followed for a short time by the officer, sped off.

Police chased the vehicle, which crashed shortly afterwards on Portsmouth Drive.

The men left the scene on foot and the 29-year-old was arrested shortly after.

Police are still trying to locate the second man who is believed to have been the driver.

No other person or vehicle was hurt or damaged as a result of the incident.

Yesterday, a 16-year-old girl died and a 15-year-old girl was taken to hospital in critical condition after the stolen car they were in crashed into another vehicle following an early-morning police pursuit in Mangere, South Auckland.

Nationwide, about 2000 drivers are caught fleeing police each year.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor has said there is no right answer for dealing with fleeing drivers.

"Those numbers only include drivers who were caught ...

"It's an issue police forces and governments around the world are grappling with."

Mr O'Connor said most pursuits that ended in an accident happened within 30 or 40 seconds of a chase beginning.