Arrest follows ramming of police car

The police car after the incident.

A routine police check in Western Heights went sour when an officer's car was rammed by another vehicle.

Police were conducting routine licence and vehicle checks around Upland Rd, off Gordon Rd, about 10.45am yesterday when a motorist starting acting suspiciously.

Rotorua police crime prevention manager Inspector Stuart Nightingale said the man pulled into a driveway and a police car followed, blocking the vehicle in.

"The driver then reversed and accelerated with speed, striking the front of the police car," he said.

"He then forced his way on to the road and took off."

Mr Nightingale said it was fortunate no police officers were hurt and that there was minimal damage to the police car.

A nearby resident, who did not want to be named, said she was watching television when she heard a loud crashing sound.

Her son, who was outside, saw the whole event unfold, she said.

"The police had blocked them in the driveway.

"They tried to get away and they rammed the car and just drove off," she said.

"The car backed into the police car about four times."

Police said the driver then drove to another property, parking in the driveway in a bid to hide.

Shortly afterwards a member of the public called police informing them of the man's location and a man was arrested, Mr Nightingale said.

He said the man was driving a vehicle allegedly stolen from Taupo and was wanted on a number of criminal charges.

Mr Nightingale said the situation was unusual.

"It's definitely not common, it seems that it was done by a desperate individual, but there was no way that he was going to get away with it."

Mr Nightingale said he wanted to thank the public for their assistance in the matter.