Serious Crash in Canterbury District, 7:40pm 5 Dec 2008

At 1930hrs Friday the 5 December 2008, Police observed a Subaru travelling at speed, Police pursued the car. This vehicle had earlier been stolen from the Centennial Pool.
A short time later the Subaru drove up a one way street the wrong way. Due to this and the erratic driving behaviour, the Police patrol abandoned the pursuit.
Moments later the stolen car crashed into a Toyota Corolla vehicle at the corner of Durham and Tuam Street.
As a result of the crash the three occupants of the Toyota Corolla vehicle were taken to hospital along with the driver of the Subaru. The female driver of the Corolla was taken to hospital in a serious condition. The passenger from this vehicle is stable with moderate injuries the third a child appears uninjured
The driver of the Subaru vehicle is in a serious but stable condition.
A full investigation will be carried out by Police and the Independent Police Complaints authority will be notified.
Further details will be available once the Police have spoken to witnesses and relatives have been contacted.
No further releases will be midday on the 6 December 2008
Detective Senior Sergeant Johnson
CIB
Christchurch

Issued By: Inspector Alan Weston