Road spikes end 45min police chase

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A ROTORUA man and two Gisborne people were arrested yesterday after police chased a car allegedly stolen from Lytton West and eventually stopped by road spikes near Tolaga Bay.

Police were called about the incident at 9.45am and the Nissan Micra hatchback was finally stopped about 45 minutes later.

“Police got behind the stolen car within minutes of the report it had been taken,” said Senior Sergeant Lincoln Sycamore.

“It failed to stop and it was followed up State Highway 35.

“The speeds involved in the pursuit were not particularly high.”

Senior Sergeant Sycamore said road spikes were deployed near Tolaga Bay.

“The car’s tyres were punctured and it came to a halt.

“The 28-year-old Rotorua man driving it was arrested and faces a range of charges, including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop.

“A man and a woman from Gisborne with him in the vehicle were also arrested and charged in relation to the incident.”

Senior Sergeant Sycamore said police appreciated the quick call they received about the incident.

“We rely on a strong partnership with our community.”

The trio were to make an initial appearance in the Gisborne District Court yesterday afternoon.