Attribute to Hutt Valley Area Commander Inspector Dion Bennett
A 19-year-old man and two 14-year-old youths have been apprehended following the pursuit of a stolen vehicle in the Hutt Valley overnight.
Police located a stolen Nissan Navara in Upper Hutt about 1am. A pursuit was initiated on State Highway 2 after the south-bound vehicle failed to stop when signalled.
The pursuit was abandoned when the Nissan began driving south in north-bound lanes, with no lights on.
Units successfully spiked several of the vehicle¡¯s tyres, however it continued driving at speed on the wrong side of the road. Because of the threat to innocent motorists, Police followed in the south-bound lane with lights and sirens, to warn oncoming traffic.
The spiked Nissan drove for about 11km in northbound lanes of State Highway 2, towards Wellington.
About 1.20am, a Police unit at Melling Bridge, having assessed the high risk of harm and danger to the public, forced the stolen vehicle off the road near the Melling intersection, to prevent a serious crash.
There were no injuries to Police, public, or alleged offenders, but both vehicles were damaged.
The Nissan's three occupants were apprehended at the scene.
State Highway 2 was closed while a scene examination was carried out and reopened about 4am.
A 19-year-old will appear in the Hutt Valley District Court today, charged with dangerous driving, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving while forbidden, and failing to stop.
The Serious Crash Unit and Criminal Investigation Branch are investigating.
ENDS