Armed car thieves led police on a 71-minute car chase all around the Waikato in a stolen Suzuki Swift, attempting to ram patrol cars, with those involved eventually caught hiding behind bushes.
It unfolded about midnight last night when officers spotted the car which been taken from a Ngaruawahia property.
Waikato police Senior Sergeant Pete Simpson said the car was followed as it travelled into Hamilton before one of the trio jumped out of the vehicle on Bankwood Rd, Hamilton.
A man was eventually caught and found with a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition.
Up to 10 patrol cars were involved in the incident as police to pursued the Suzuki which headed northeast towards Horsham Downs before it headed towards Piako Rd, towards Morrinsville.