Kaitaia man arrested after eventful 55km car and foot pursuit involving beer bottles

A Kaitaia man was arrested after allegedly throwing beer bottles at a police car during a 55km pursuit.

A Kaitaia man who allegedly led police on a 55km chase, in which beer bottles were thrown from the car at the pursuing patrol car, has been arrested.

Acting Senior Sergeant Sarah Wihongi said a patrol car signalled for a car to pull over outside the Mobil service station in Commerce St about 11.35pm on Tuesday.

However, she said, the driver, who had three passengers in the car, failed to stop and took off.

A chase ensued with beer bottles allegedly being thrown from the vehicle as it headed towards Pawarenga.

Mrs Wihongi said the vehicle stopped about 1km shy of Pawarenga, the passengers got out and waited at the vehicle while the driver ran off.

She said there was a foot chase as the driver ran up a hill.

She said the "athletic" officer in pursuit caught the man who was arrested, before a police dog team arrived to join the search.

The driver was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, driving while disqualified, reckless driving and failing to stop for police.

He was to appear in Kaitaia District Court on the charges yesterdayand police would oppose bail.