Gang throws onions, chopping board at cops during high-speed chase

Fleeing gang members hurled onions and a glass chopping board at police during a high-speed pursuit. File photo

Fleeing gang members hurled onions and a glass chopping board at police during a high-speed pursuit through the Waikato last night.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Mortimore said police were forced to dodge vegetables and a glass board thrown from the back of the car during a 25-kilometre pursuit along the new northern Waikato Expressway.

"There was a number of items thrown in the direction of police during the pursuit.

There was one offensive weapon and there were some vegetables - onions, "said Mr Mortimore.

The offensive weapon was a glass chopping board which became embedded in the front plastic grill of the following police car.

Mr Mortimore said the pursuit started when the car with gang members from Northland took off after it was pulled over by police in Greenwood St at 10.25pm.

It ended at Taupiri after spikes were laid outside the township.

During the pursuit the car travelled "substantially" above the speed limit along the new expressway.

The car eventually ground to a halt at Taupiri Mountain where three men aged 26, 24 and 23 were arrested and are now facing a raft of charges.

The driver was charged with failing to stop, reckless driving and driving while forbidden.

The front passenger had a warrant out for his arrest and was charged with inciting the failing to stop and the rear passenger also had a warrant out for his arrest and was charged with endangering transport.

The trio were due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today.