Reckless driver apprehended near Orewa

Police consider it extremely lucky that a man's reckless trip south from Ruakaka did not end in tragedy this afternoon. It was reported that the man took a vehicle from a family member without permission after drinking liquor.

Police became aware of the man after eleven separate motorists became concerned enough about his driving to ring *555. One caller estimated his speed at 170kmh and others reported unsafe overtaking, also at high speed.

The Green Ford Telstar station wagon was intercepted by a police unit on Grand Drive, Orewa at 3.00pm. The vehicle refused to stop for police but the pursuit was abandoned immediately when the driver accelerated to 110kmh in the 70kmh area while overtaking vehicles.

The Eagle helicopter located the vehicle a short time later, north of Orewa and kept ground units informed of its location. Despite not being pursued by police the driver continued to overtake other traffic at high speed and reportedly came close to losing control on several occasions.

Two attempts were made to use road spikes however the driver "U" turned and carried on.

The man turned off SH17 north of Hatfields Beach onto private property - the helicopter was able to direct a dog unit to block his escape and the driver was apprehended.

A 35 year old man was arrested and will be appearing in court facing a variety of charges. Orewa police are handling the matter.