A suspended driver chased by police in central Rotorua allegedly crashed into a letterbox as he tried to escape.
The pursuit started around 11.30am yesterday when police saw the driver pull out of Malfroy Rd on to Fenton St.
"The pursuit was started initially for the manner of driving," said Senior Sergeant Brendon Keenan, road policing manager.
"There was speed and dangerous driving, they could have wiped out other cars or people."
He said there was a pursuit down Fenton St and the car turned onto Sala St, where police abandoned the chase. Mr Keenan said police then searched and found the car down a driveway at a private residence nearby. It had hit a neighbouring letterbox.
Mr Keenan said a man was arrested and charged with driving while suspended, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He was also believed to be driving under the influence of drugs and further charges might follow, he said.
The Rotorua police dog section was also involved as it was thought there may have been a passenger, but no other person was found.