Four men aged between 19 and 20, including one carrying a firearm, have been arrested following two police chases near Palmerston North this morning.
Area Commander Phillip Ward says police were alerted to a person of interest travelling in a vehicle at speed on State Highway 57 at Aokautere at 7.20am today.
Ward said that after failing to stop when signalled, road spikes were deployed and the vehicle soon stopped on State Highway 3.
After receiving reports that the occupants had stopped traffic and stolen two vehicles from motorists, Ward says a pursuit was then authorised.
"The victims who had their vehicles taken were shaken, and one has been treated for a head wound," he said in a statement.
A19-year-old armed man was chased "for some time" through Palmerston North until crashing on Ruahine St later in the morning, according to police.
Police said three men who took the other vehicle were arrested in Feilding without incident around midday.
"We would like to thank the many people who called 111 while these events played out, and we have already received a number of photos and videos that will help us piece together what happened," Ward said.
All four men will appear in the Palmerston North District Court tomorrow, Saturday 28 January.
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