Man Involved In Extensive Search Operation Arrested.

Police have confirmed that they have arrested a man in relation to an incident near Te Anau on Wednesday.

The man who was believed to be armed was apprehended on Thursday afternoon and faces a variety of charges. He is expected to appear in court today (Fri).

The search started after Police attempted to stop a vehicle for a routine vehicle check on Wednesday morning.

The Armed Offenders Squad from Invercargill was deployed and flown in by helicopter.

Helicopters  with thermal imaging equipment were also used in the extensive search operation.

In other Police news a male has been taken into custody after a a police patrol chased the driver of a car that failed to stop for a routine check.

The incident happened outside Countdown on Tay St just before 6pm yesterday.

Police say the driver crashed into a car parked on the opposite side of the road on which the car was travelling.

A person in the parked car suffered minor injuries.

It’s not clear yet what charges the driver will face.