Police: Driver on P caused havoc

A methamphetamine pipe. File photo / Martin Sykes

A driver who caused chaos on Waikato roads yesterday while evading police was high on methamphetamines, police said today.

Waikato road policing manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said a Highway Patrol officer recorded a silver Peugot travel past him at 117km/h on SH1 near Hampton Downs about 8am yesterday.

"The officer has attempted to get the car to pull over but had trouble catching up as the driver by this stage had increased his speed to 180km/h as he headed south," Mr Tooman said.

He said police had received a number of calls from drivers who had been forced to take evasive action.

Mr Tooman said the officer abandoned the pursuit of the Peugeot after the driver cut in front of a couple's car near the Rangiriri Tavern, causing minor damage to their car.

"The officer stopped to check the couple were all right, they were a bit shaken but unhurt and other units were contacted by radio to keep an eye out for the offender.

"Given the nature of his driving it was assessed his arrest could be managed without having the added stress of a pursuing vehicle in his rear vision mirror possible affecting his decision making and putting other drivers at risk, fortunately we are able to coordinate additional staff by using our radios.

The car sped through Huntly with further complaints being made to police before the driver turned off SH1 at Taupiri and on to SH1B.

"The offender has driven around Taupiri and then back on to SH1 continuing on past the old Hopu Hopu Army Camp," he said.

A farmer flagged down police to say the offender had turned into Jew Road and the officer then found his abandoned car.

"The 24-year-old man had fled to a tree line but a responding police dog handler was able to track the man who was arrested. He was found in possession of a quantity of cannabis and also with utensils for using methamphetamine which he told our staff he had been using earlier in the day."

The driver was charged with failing to stop for police, failing to stop and ascertain injury, possession of cannabis and possession of utensils for the use of methamphetamine.

Mr Tooman said the confession by the driver of his drug use highlighted the risks associated with getting behind the wheel while under the influence of illicit drugs.

"Here we have a man who was speeding on a public road prior to coming into contact with police. He has fled and refused to stop and if the reports from the public are anything to go on taken extreme risks with both his own and other people's lives to avoid arrest."

Mr Tooman said police were always grateful to receive information from the public about driver behaviour.

- NZHERALD STAFF