A 15-minute police pursuit through Western Bay of Plenty ended abruptly when a stolen car crashed into a stationary police car, yesterday.
The crash prompted the closure of Welcome Bay Rd, at the intersection of Kaitemako Rd, for a short time about 2pm.
It followed a police chase of a stolen car in Welcome Bay. The pursuit is understood to have travelled to State Highway 2 towards Mount Maunganui before returning to Welcome Bay Rd and travelling towards the city.
Acting Senior Sergeant Matthew Moorehead told the Bay of Plenty Times police saw a car, reported as stolen on the automated number plate recognition system, in Welcome Bay.
Police tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly did not stop.