A driver wanted by police somehow survived a 150m plunge down a steep gully, stopping only when his car smashed into trees at the bottom.
The hardy, or very lucky, driver was even able to run away and evade a police dog trying to track him. The drama began about 4.30am yesterday on Ruapekapeka Rd, near Kawakawa, when a car aroused the suspicions of a police patrol. The driver turned into a farm driveway then veered on to a rough farm track when the patrol car followed and activated its lights. He failed to take a sharp corner and plunged 150m down a steep bank. Towards the bottom the car became airborne, stopping only when it smashed into trees.
The officer saw a man get out of the wreckage and flee on foot. A tracking dog was unable to find him. When police returned in daylight the car had been torched.
Constable Meagan Lyle, of Kawakawa police, said it was "very surprising" the driver was not severely injured, let alone able to run away. "He was definitely wearing a seat belt. That was the only intelligent decision he made."
Police believed they knew the driver's identity. It is thought he was breaching the curfew set as part of his bail conditions.
