20 Jun 2016

Person thrown from car during police chase

9:23 am on 20 June 2016

A person has been thrown from a car after colliding with a patrol vehicle during a police pursuit in Northland.

A person has been thrown from a car during a police pursuit in Northland.

Police chased the car overnight in Whangerei when they suspected the driver of speeding.

Two patrol cars were involved in the attempt to stop the vehicle, with one of them preparing to deploy spikes.

Generic police car.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

During the eight-minute pursuit, the offending vehicle turned directly into the path of the travelling patrol car and collided with it on Otaika Rd.

The driver of the offending vehicle was thrown from the car and is now in a critical condition in hospital.

Two officers received minor injuries and were assessed and treated in hospital.

The incident will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.