Stolen car pursuit ends in river

At approximately 9.35 pm on Thursday 20 March 2008 a car driven by a 16 year old youth crashed at the corner of Gardeners Road and Styx Mill Road in Northern Christchurch.

The vehicle was being pursued by Police after it had been seen driving erratically. It transpired that the vehicle had been stolen from a Redwood address moments earlier.

The driver failed to stop when it was signalled to do so by the Police vehicle.

The pursuit started on Main North road near the Styx Mill Bridge before the vehicle turned into Styx Mill Road.

It ended soon after when the pursued vehicle drove through a Give Way sign at the end of Styx Mill Road, striking a tree and coming to rest in the Styx Mill River.

The driver ran from the scene. He was located in nearby farmland after being tracked by a police dog.

Two teenage girls who were passengers in the car were taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries.

An investigation is being undertaken. The Independent Police Conduct Authority is also investigating.

Police are asking members of the public who may have witnessed any part of the pursuit or the crash to contact them at the Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 3637400.