"The man will face a raft of charges which are currently being assessed."
The man failed to stop for police about 6:30pm on Saturday," police said.
"A pursuit was then initiated and the vehicle came to a stop near Cromwell.
"The driver of that vehicle presented a firearm at an officer, before taking a police vehicle and fleeing the scene.
"He then travelled towards Alexandra, abandoning the police vehicle and taking a vehicle from a member of the public."
Supt Sweeney said police from Dunedin and Queenstown areas responded with two helicopters and armed offenders support.
"The vehicle the man took was recovered in Milton around 11.45pm, where he fled on foot.
The manhunt started after a vehicle of interest failed to stop for police about 6.30pm on Saturday.
The second car was found abandoned in Milton at 11.45pm and Otago Daily Times readers have reported a heavy police presence in the town overnight.
Supt Sweeney said the pursuit was initiated and the vehicle came to a stop near Cromwell.
The driver then presented a firearm at police, before taking a police vehicle and fleeing the scene along State Highway 8.
The driver has then abandoned the police vehicle near Signal Creek, and taken a vehicle from a member of the public.
The member of the public was shaken, but unharmed.
The police vehicle was recovered. No police issue firearms had been taken.
The man then travelled south along SH 90, and continued driving.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.
