Facebook tip-off helps catch alleged hit and run driver

File photo / NZ Herald

A Facebook tip-off has been credited with helping catch a 25-year-old driver who allegedly fled police after crashing into another car in Otorohanga.

Police said the alleged offender drove off without paying for petrol at a Te Kuiti service station overnight.

He was pursued by police when his car was spotted on SH3 between Te Kuiti and Otorohanga.

Senior Sergeant Gill Meadows said the man crashed into another car after failing to stop at a controlled intersection.

The offender then sped off as officers stopped to check on the woman who was driving the other car, he said.

She was shaken but uninjured.

Mr Meadows said police received a tip-off on the alleged offender after posting a description of him on their Facebook site.

They went to an Otorohanga property this morning and arrested a 25-year-old man on charges of failing to stop, failing to ascertain injury, two charges of reckless driving and another of driving while disqualified, he said.

The man was already wanted on breach of bail and theft charges.

"Social networking is proving to be another valuable tool for our staff to interact with sections of the community who might not necessarily utilise traditional means of communication or media ...

"Basically for police we don't care how you engage with us, we just want to hear from you if something is happening," Mr Meadows said.