Police Pursuit Results in Fatality

At approximately 11.15pm on Saturday 19 December police in Palmerston North initiated a pursuit of a motorcycle in Milson Line, Palmerston North.

The motorcycle was two up at the time and the female pillion passenger was not wearing a helmet.

Inspector Pat Handcock, Area Commander said, 'Initial inquiries indicate that the police patrol had noted the motorcycle travelling at excessive speed north on Ruahine Street and had pulled in behind the motorcyclist at a red light on the corner of Ruahine Street and Tremaine Avenue. When the light turned green the officer has activated his lights to pull the rider to the side of the road'.

'At that point the motorcyclist has accelerated to very high speeds', Inspector Handcock said.

Inspector Handcock said that it appears that the motorcyclist has lost control of the motorcycle on the corner of John F Kennedy Drive and Milson Line and the motor cycle has come to rest against a residential fence on the north western corner of that intersection. The male rider has died at the scene and the female pillion passenger has been taken to Palmerston North hospital'.

The Serious Crash Unit are at the scene and will complete a thorough scene examination tonight. There will be some disruption to traffic in the area for several hours.

Inspector Handcock said 'It appears that the police patrol lost contact with the motorcyclist almost immediately due to the heavy acceleration of the motorcycle, and the attempt to stop the motorcyclist was momentary. Police have spoken to a number of witnesses and would like anyone else who may have seen the incident to contact the Palmerston North Police'.

Police have not yet identifird the deceased and are making further inquiries to do so.

'We can confirm that the motor cycle is stolen, but can not provide any more detail at this time', Inspector Handcock said.

Over the next 24 hours Police will piece together events leading to the fatal crash and it will be reported to the Independent Police Conduct Authority as part of routine investigation practises.