Police chase near Whangarei lasts nearly 45 minutes

Stolen vehicle finally stopped by police near Whangarei. Photo / John Stone

A police pursuit lasted close to 45 minutes with a stolen vehicle being driven on a wheel rim after being spiked.

The vehicle was stolen from the carpark near Countdown at Okara Shopping Centre.

An officer spotted the vehicle near BP on Riverside Dr and the driver allegedly failed to stop when signalled to just after 11.30am and headed towards Pataua South.

With a number of police vehicles in pursuit the driver did a u-turn and headed back towards Whangarei.

The vehicle tyres were spiked but the driver continued to drive. The front left tyre came off and the vehicle was finally stopped near Awaroa River Rd about 12.15pm.

A male was arrested and the vehicle was towed.

Police are currently interviewing the driver who is likely to appear in Whangarei District Court tomorrow.