Man at centre of Tauranga police chase in hospital for 'medical event'

Armed police were spotted in Bethlehem this evening. Photo / File

The man at the centre of a police chase through Tauranga yesterday was taken to hospital in a critical condition after suffering from a medical event during the incident.

Armed police responded to reports of a robbery and fleeing suspect on 15th Ave at 5.07pm.

A police spokeswoman said a man fled in a vehicle and police found the vehicle on Meadowbank Rise, Bethlehem, with the person inside.

He was the only person in the car, she said.

The spokeswoman said no shots were fired but the man was taken to Tauranga Hospital, escorted by police.

A St John spokeswoman said the man was in a critical condition.

He has not been officially arrested, yet.

Armed police were seen in Bethlehem, prompting concern from the community, many taking to social media.