Whangamata Police are awaiting blood test results to confirm if a fleeing driver, who attempted to ram patrol cars in the town early this morning, was intoxicated or not.
Senior Sergeant Kevin Anderson of the Whangamata Police said officers attempted to carry out a routine vehicle stop of a ToyotaEstima station wagon in the town about 1.10am.
"The driver refused to pull over and instead fled police initiating a short pursuit that was managed by the Northern Communications Centre.
"Before the pursuit ended officers had to take evasive action as the female driver attempted to ram the patrol cars. Eventually stopped on Ocean Rd the woman attempted to abandon her car and run off but was caught a short distance away. One unmarked patrol car suffered minor damage to one of its doors in the process however there were no injuries suffered by any persons involved."
Mr Anderson said the 40-year-old Whangamata woman was arrested and charged with failing to stop and reckless driving while the results of blood tests are pending.
"To date 15 people have died on Waikato roads in 12 crashes where alcohol, drugs or a combination of both were contributing factors so drink driving is something we take very seriously. The message is simple, if you drive don't drink, if you drink don't drive."
