The Police Eagle helicopter assisted in the tracking and apprehension of a fleeing driver in Christchurch this afternoon.
Police observed a vehicle driving dangerously on Woodham Road in Avondale about 1.30pm.
When the driver failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated but abandoned on Pages Road due to the manner of driving.
Eagle continued to observe the vehicle as it entered the grounds of a local school and circled the area where a number of children were playing.
It then continued on to the Eastgate Mall area before being brought to a stop by a patrol car.
The driver has then fled on foot and gone into a nearby restaurant where he was located and arrested.
The alleged offender, aged 30, is expected to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow and is facing a number of charges including failing to stop, reckless driving and driving while disqualified.
¡°There were no reports of injuries during the incident, however a number of children and staff at the school were understandably shaken,¡± District Commander Superintendent John Price says.
¡°Police Youth Aid officers visited the school to provide support and will do so again next week.
¡°This dangerous use of a vehicle with no consideration for the safety of others could have ended in serious injury or worse.
¡°Children have the right to be safe and feel safe in their school so this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
¡°Throughout the incident, Eagle was able to monitor the location of the vehicle and direct ground staff to its location.
¡°The quick response and apprehension of the offender was a direct result of our dedicated staff in the air and on the ground. This helped prevent any further trauma to innocent members of the community.
¡°It is yet another example of the Air Support Unit¡¯s invaluable contribution in Canterbury District since the Eagle trial launched last month.¡±
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre?
