The officer activated lights and a siren and pursued the vehicle but was forced to wait for passing traffic before safely performing a U-turn and giving chase.
Acting Central District Commander Inspector Pat Handcock said by the time the patrol car began the pursuit, the Commodore was far out of sight.
"The officer has driven about 1km down the road which enters a 70 km/h zone. They have then located the vehicle which had hit a power pole on the opposite side of the road."
Inspector Handcock said the attending officers and Fire Service staff gave first aid to Mr Leslie and the other two occupants, however the 31-year-old died at the scene.
St John Tararua district manager Greg Cottrell said Mr Leslie was dead when paramedics arrived.
The driver and other passenger were taken by ambulance to Palmerston North Hospital.
He said one arrived at the emergency department in a serious condition and the other had moderate injuries.
Police said preliminary indications suggest speed was a factor and the driver had failed to navigate a right hand bend in the road. Police also believe alcohol may have been another factor.
"The Serious Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the crash and charges against the driver are likely.
"Officers are also in the process of speaking to witnesses including the driver and rear seat passenger of the Commodore," Inspector Handcock said.
