Police car rammed in dramatic chase with stolen cars

A police car was rammed during a pursuit which involved a car stolen from a Tauranga home. Photo/file

Five arrests have been made after a car reportedly stolen from Tauranga was involved in a dramatic police chase overnight, resulting in two teenagers being hospitalised.

About 1am today, Hamilton police spotted two cars that had been reported stolen. One had been allegedly been stolen from New Plymouth and the other from a Pyes Pa home in Tauranga.

Senior Sergeant Mike Underwood said police signalled to both cars to stop, however they decided to attempt to evade police. Police followed both vehicles for a short time in the Hamilton East/Claudelands area.

One car crashed during the incident leaving the two female occupants with moderate-to-serious, but not life-threatening injuries. They were taken to hospital for treatment. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating this crash.

Mr Underwood said the other driver intentionally rammed a patrol vehicle causing minor damage to both vehicles during the pursuit and eventually stopped after being spiked and travelling on rims for a short period.

Three males and two females have been arrested and will face a variety of charges relating to this incident, including charges for breaching bail.

The ages of the people involved ranged from 15 - 18 years old.

This incident took approximately eight minutes from when police signalled to the vehicles to stop, to when the second vehicle stopped.

"This incident could have ended very differently. These drivers have put not only themselves and their passengers in danger, but also members of the public with their dangerous driving,'' Mr Underwood said.

"Police staff were also put at risk when their vehicle is rammed.

"People need to think twice before attempting to evade Police. It's not worth risking your life or anyone else's life."