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Police say the driving of a man who sped through the Waikato town of Ngaruawahia and rammed a police patrol car was dangerous and reckless.
Senior Sergeant Paul Davey of Waikato Highway Patrol said the events began on State Highway 1, south of Ngaruawahia about 1.16pm yesterday.
"One of our officers had concerns about the road worthiness of a car and motioned with his car's lights and siren for the driver to pull over.
"The driver has pulled over but as the officer got out of the patrol car the offender has reversed into the patrol car, moved forward and then rammed it again before taking off up SH1 at speed towards Ngaruawahia."
As he sped past a kindergarten the man's speed was recorded at 140km/h. He left SH1 and tried to head west, toward Waingaro.
"As the offender's car has turned towards Waingaro he has lost control near the bridge, spinning out after a right side tyre blew out," Mr Davey said.
"He is by now facing the way he came and has then accelerated his car at the by now near stationary patrol car, hitting it head on."
The officer driving the patrol car was shaken but unhurt and managed to get the offender out of his car, despite resistance, with the aid of pepper spray.
A 39-year-old Hamilton man will appear in Hamilton District Court today facing reckless driving, failing to stop, driving while suspended and assault with a weapon charges.
- NZPA
