Five hurt, two seriously, after police pursuit in Northland

January 6, 2019

A police pursuit in Northland last night left five people injured - two seriously.

Two women, a 27-year-old woman and a 28-year-old, sustained serious injuries in the incident. As a result, one was taken to Kaitaia Hospital by ambulance and the other was flown to Auckland Hospital.

Northland District Commander Rikki Whiu said at 5.30pm, Kaitaia Police were carrying out routine patrols when they attempted to stop a vehicle near Awanui in the Far North.

"The car initially stopped, but then drove off before officers could speak with the driver and occupants, resulting in police pursuing the vehicle along State Highway 10 towards Taipa for about 7 kilometres."

The driver, a 35-year-old Kaitaia woman, lost control near Kaingaroa after hitting a steel barrier on the side of the road and swerved in to the path of another car.

She was arrested soon after and has been charged with failing to stop for the police and will appear in the Kaitaia District Court today.

"She was also found to have been breaching her conditions, and went through a roadside breath testing procedure. Further charges are likely. She was taken to Kaitaia Hospital for a medical check and further blood alcohol procedures."

The two male passengers in the other vehicle were treated for minor injuries.

State Highway 10 was closed for some time near the intersection with Pairatahi Road while the Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination but reopened around 10pm.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified.

Mr Whiu said to driver's thinking of pulling the same reckless actions to think twice.

"We want to remind drivers that if you’re asked to pull over by Police, please stop.

"The risk of fleeing Police can result in serious injury or death, which we are trying to avoid.

"The risk of not stopping is not worth your safety, your passengers’ safety, or that of other road users."

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