Teen aims nail gun at cop

Teen was on home detention in the Cromwell house. Photo / Supplied

A teenager on home detention pointed a nail gun at a policeman before leading officers on a 47km high-speed pursuit, police allege.

Police were called to the house in Cromwell, Central Otago, at 3.30am yesterday after the 17-year-old allegedly cut off his electronic ankle bracelet before breaking every window in the house.

Senior Sergeant Jill Woods said the first officer on the scene was confronted by the nail gun-wielding youth when he tried to enter the property.

"Nothing was said, the gun wasn't fired, but obviously he presented the gun at the officer who thought he was going to be fired at," she said.

The youth chased the constable into the street before smashing the patrol car's windscreen and two front windows.

Woods said the officer ran to safety as the youth drove off, with two other officers in pursuit. He evaded police until crashing on State Highway 8, 14km south of Alexandra. The youth again threatened police with the nailgun, Woods said.

The officers arrested him and he was taken to Dunstan Hospital with minor injuries.

He will appear in the Dunedin District Court tomorrow charged with assault with a weapon, reckless driving and failing to stop for police. Further charges are likely.

Blood samples were taken to determine whether the youth was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

He could also be charged by the Department of Corrections in relation to the removal of his ankle bracelet, police said.

Woods said the officer first threatened with the nail gun was "fine".

"He was quite philosophical about it when I spoke to him. I don't think it had really sunk in at that stage," she said.

The boy's mother has had a "complete breakdown" after seeing the damage to the rental property where they lived, according to a friend of the house owner.

"He just lost the plot. He's gone around and smashed every window and then taken to all of the walls with a stool," the friend said.

"He's completely demolished the house. It's a complete write-off."

anna.leask@hos.co.nz