Overnight police chases in Tauranga end 'after petrol runs out'

Police were involved in pursuits overnight in the western Bay of Plenty. Photo/file

Two police pursuits in the Western Bay overnight ended when the cars involved ran out of petrol.

Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said the first pursuit began in Waihi Rd when police attempted to pull over a car due to the manner of driving about 1.17am.

The vehicle failed to stop and police followed the car for 10 minutes through Tauriko and Gate Pa until it ran out of gas on State Highway 36 near Taumata Rd, he said.

Both driver and passenger were arrested. The latter was released without charge and the former, a 25-year-old Tauranga man, was due to appear in Tauranga District Court on driving charges today.

In the second incident, Wright-St Clair said police stopped a car on Gloucester Rd in Papamoa about 3.30am.

Officers suspected the driver of giving false details.

"When asked to give up the keys the driver drove off at speed."

Police pursued the car through Papamoa, Kairua and Welcome Bay, back-tracking a couple of times into Papamoa and Kairua.

The pursuit ended when the car ran out of petrol in Arawata Ave and the driver, aged 26, was arrested and charged with driving offences. He also had outstanding arrest warrants.