KEY POINTS:
An 18-year-old man killed during a police pursuit in Palmerston North early today had been involved in a domestic incident a few hours previously, police said.
The man died when he crashed into the bedroom of a house on Vogel Street while fleeing from police. He died on
impact, police said.
The accident, just before 2am, caused "significant damage" to the house. A couple asleep in the bedroom were "badly shaken" and had received medical attention, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said.
Mr Sheridan said police did not know exactly how fast the car was travelling at the point of impact, but it had caused substantial damage to the house, as well as two cars in a neighbouring driveway.
Children were asleep in other rooms in the house, but had not been hurt.
Mr Sheridan said an 18-year-old woman, known to the deceased, had been admitted to Palmerston North Hospital with serious facial injuries, some time before midnight.
"Hospital staff have contacted police and it was established that the man responsible for inflicting these injuries had taken the female victim's Toyota Levin vehicle," Mr Sheridan said.
The young woman was still in hospital with broken bones in her face and other serious injuries, he said.
The car was seen at a service station on Pioneer Highway, in Palmerston North, about 11.45pm and staff alerted police after the driver left without paying.
A police patrol car saw the Toyota at 1.55am.
The driver failed to stop for police, and a pursuit began, travelling north on Featherston Street. The driver failed to stop at the intersection with Vogel Street and smashed into the house.
Mr Sheridan said the pursuit was short in duration,
The patrol car was several hundred metres from the fleeing vehicle when the crash occurred.
The serious crash unit was investigating the accident, and forensic analysis, along with witness accounts, should help police get a good estimate of the car's speed.
Mr Sheridan said counselling had been offered to police involved, and the family of the deceased.
Police were not yet in a position to release the name of the driver.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority had been informed the crash.
- NZPA
