Sawn-off firearm found in car after driver crashes fleeing police

The fleeing driver will face serious charges, police say. Photo / George Heard

A sawn-off firearm has been found after a fleeing-driver crashed into another car.

About a dozen police officers could be seen at the scene of the two-car crash on Innes Rd, Christchurch about 9am on Friday.

One man could be seen being handcuffed to a stretcher and taken away from the scene.

Police found a sawn-off firearm and bullets at the scene. Photo / George Heard

Senior Sergeant Anton Ten Hove told the Herald police had signaled for a motorist to pull over due to the manner of their driving, the driver failed to stop and took off at high speed. Police did not pursue the car.

The driver then collided with an “innocent member of the public”. Both drivers were injured.

Ten Hove said the driver would face serious charges. He said a sawn-off firearm was found in the car.

The fleeing driver crashed into another motorist. Photo / George Heard

Canterbury police metro area commander Superintendent Lane Todd said in a statement a 28-year-old man had been arrested.

He said the driver of the other car received serious injuries.

Police wanted anyone who witnessed the incident, or who had any footage, to call police on 105, referencing the Police event number P054933271.