- A 40-year-old man was arrested after a police pursuit in Invercargill early Sunday morning.
- The driver failed to stop for police and was later apprehended using road spikes.
- The man faces several charges, including failing to stop and dangerous driving.
A 40-year-old man is due to reappear in Invercargill District Court after failing to stop for police in Avenal, Invercargill early Sunday morning.
The man, who was allegedly driving without lights, did not stop when signalled to do so on Wellesley Avenue around 12:55 am. Police initiated a pursuit, following the vehicle south onto Dee Street. However, the pursuit was abandoned due to safety concerns.
Later that morning, the vehicle was spotted travelling south on Kelvin Street. Police maintained long-range observations and, thanks to a well-coordinated approach by all staff in the South Invercargill area, successfully spiked the vehicle and brought it to a stop on John Street. The man was taken into custody around 6 am.
During the initial pursuit, the offender rammed a police vehicle, causing minor damage. The 40-year-old Mataura man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday, 13 August. He is facing charges of failing to stop, driving while disqualified, resisting police, assaulting police, dangerous driving, and wilful damage.
Inspector Mike Bowman, Southland Area Commander, stated, “Luckily, there were no injuries sustained to officers or members of the community during this incident. There is no place for this activity in our community—Southland Police will continue to target unlawful behaviour, particularly involving gangs and organised crime groups, and especially that which brings the public and Police staff in harm’s way.”
If you witness any unlawful activity, please contact police on 111 if there is an immediate risk to people or property. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.