Local man arrested after short police chase in Welcome Bay

The driver failed to stop for police on Welcome Bay Rd. Photo/ File

A 45-year-old local man has been charged with a number of offences following a police pursuit in Welcome Bay.

Police were called to a report that a driver of a vehicle had hit another vehicle on Turret Rd and left the scene.

At 11pm last night, the driver failed to stop for police on Welcome Bay Rd.

A police spokesperson said a pursuit was commenced but was called off moments later due to the fleeing man's manner of driving.

The vehicle was seen again a short time later, having returned to the Welcome Bay Rd area.

"The driver abandoned the vehicle on Asher Rd and fled on foot, however, a police dog unit caught up with and arrested him," the spokesperson said.

The man was charged with a number of offences, including failing to stop, assault and driving offences and was due to appear in Tauranga District Court today.