Pepper-sprayed truckie stopped by police Taser

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A logging truck driver who led police on a "bizarre" high-speed chase after being pepper-sprayed was eventually subdued with a Taser.

Police were first alerted to the behaviour of the driver of the unladen truck-and-trailer unit on State Highway 1, near Waihola, 40km south of Dunedin, about 11.40am yesterday when a member of the public called to complain.

When pulled over in Milton a short time later, the "extremely aggressive" man became belligerent, a police spokesman said.

An officer pepper-sprayed him but it "had no effect".

"The driver got back into his truck and drove off at speed," Senior Sergeant Matt Scoles of Dunedin said.

Driving at alleged speeds of up to 120km/h through the Manuka Gorge and towards Lawrence, the man managed to evade police spikes.

Officers gave up the chase when they judged it was becoming too "dangerous" on the rural backroads.

But the truck was sighted again, near Gabriels Gully.

Officers rushed to the area and found the truck stationary on Munro Rd about 8km from Lawrence.

"The driver was extremely aggressive towards police when stopped and was eventually apprehended after being subdued by the deployment of Taser," Mr Scoles said.

The 28-year old driver, from Dunedin, was provided with medical assistance from St John at the scene.

He was later charged with a total of nine offences - two of failing to stop and one each of giving false details, obstruction, disorderly behaviour, threatening behaviour, escaping custody, dangerous driving, and assaulting police.

Police from Milton, Balclutha and Lawrence were involved.

"It was a really unusual set of circumstances by all accounts. Bizarre," said Senior Sergeant Dave Scott, of the southern district command centre.