Police have arrested a man after a vehicle fled during a routine traffic interaction in Invercargill on Tuesday evening.
The incident began around 5pm, when officers approached a man to speak with him about a driving matter. The driver sped off, prompting police to initiate a pursuit.
Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman said the chase was called off shortly after it began due to concerns over the fleeing driver’s behaviour behind the wheel.
“Officers have used their training and co-ordinated their response. That allowed other units to get into place ahead of the vehicle,” Bowman said.
Around 6pm, the fleeing car was stopped after hitting road spikes on State Highway 6, just south of Winton, near McKenzie Road. A short time later, the vehicle left the road and crashed into a water table on McKenzie Road.
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“Thankfully the male suffered only minor injuries and two other people in the vehicle were uninjured,” Bowman added.
State Highway 6 remained closed while the Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene investigation. Diversions were put in place for traffic.
Police say enquiries are ongoing and charges are being considered in relation to the incident.