Driver arrested after pursuits in Nelson city

Nelson Police have arrested three men after they fled from a routine roadside stop, sparking two pursuits around the city today.

Sergeant Wade Jennings said officers had stopped a Subaru being driven by a known suspended driver on Rocks Road about midday today. The driver was at the police car and cooperating with police when a passenger in his vehicle got into the driver's seat and drove off.

The vehicle was pursued over the port hills but police abandoned the pursuit when the car reached Haven Road.

The vehicle headed towards Atawhai and was followed at a safe distance.
With the assistance of road workers police were able to establish that the vehicle had not driven over the Whangamoa Saddle and contained the area.

Soon after the vehicle reappeared driving back towards Nelson and a second pursuit started. The driver managed to get through road spikes at Gentle Annie. Further road spikes were set up at Wakapuaka, but the driver was able to avoid these by driving onto the grass verge.

Police had just abandoned the pursuit when the vehicle turned into Wainui Street and the driver and two passengers stopped and took off on foot.
They were tracked and caught about 1pm.

Sergeant Jennings said police were extremely grateful to several members of the public who assisted them in locating the trio quickly.

The driver has been charged with driving while disqualified, reckless driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop and drink driving.

The owner of the car has been charged with driving while suspended.