and police
followed.
As a result, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) reported, the pursuit controller directed the chase be abandoned.
However, the lead patrol car driver overrode the order and broadcast that he driver "must be stopped".
"The pursuit controller did not challenge this response or reaffirm his direction to abandon, resulting in the pursuit continuing," the summary report said.
"Shortly after the fleeing driver crossed on to the wrong side of Ensor Rd, followed by two patrol cars, [and]
crashed into the civilian vehicle."
Reporting from the time by other media said one person was seriously injured and one moderately, but police told RNZ
two people in the civilian car were moderately injured.
"The police investigation found the actions of the two patrols in pursuing the fleeing driver onto the wrong side of Brougham St was dangerous, and the pursuit should have been abandoned when directed by the pursuit controller. It also found the officer who challenged that direction did not have the authority to do so under police policy," the summary said.
Police reiterated to RNZ that the officer should have stopped, but refused to say what action was taken against him.
"The concerns raised in relation to police actions have been dealt with through an employment process," a police spokesperson said.
The IPCA said police have taken "remedial action to address the shortcomings identified".
The authority carried out its own independent review of the police investigation and agreed with the findings.
The fleeing driver was convicted of 15 offences, including reckless driving causing injury, and was imprisoned.
- RNZ
