KEY POINTS:
A police chase came to an abrupt end when a fleeing four-wheel drive got stuck in sand on Taharoa Beach, about 70km west of Otorohanga, its driver took an early morning dip.
Sergeant Lex Soepnel said officers were called to a pub brawl in Waitomo about 1.30am.
"While we were dealing this incident a Nissan four wheel drive with three occupants was noticed driving into the carpark but has then sped off when the driver has noticed police," he said.
A police car followed the vehicle with its lights and siren on but the driver failed to stop.
"The Nissan has been driven west towards Taharoa as the driver attempted to evade pursuing police (and) at times speeds on the extremely windy rural roads reached up to 90kmh.
"At times the driver would stop his vehicle and wait for police to approach him on foot before yelling abuse and speed off again."
The 63km chase ended when the Nissan got stuck in sand on Taharoa Beach.
The driver fled the vehicle and ran through sand dunes, onto the beach and into the water.
"The officers have then lost sight of him in the rough conditions but after a brief search he is observed in the surf in some difficulty, waving his arms to signal for help," Mr Soepnel.
"Two constables entered the water to try and rescue the man who was found lying face down in the water and not moving.
"Assisting the man, he then became violent and had to be restrained on the shore."
The man was taken to Te Kuiti Hospital for treatment.
Police have charged a 25-year-old Te Awamutu man with failing to stop and reckless driving. He will appear in Te Kuiti District Court on Wednesday.
One of the two male passengers was also arrested.
- NZPA
