One person is in hospital in a critical condition after crashing while fleeing police in Hamilton.
Police say the driver failed to stop when signalled to do so on Te Aroha St, shortly before midday on Monday.
Waikato District Commander Superintendent Scott Gemmell said police chose not to pursue the vehicle "due to the manner of driving", instead tracking it via traffic cameras as it travelled east.
"The vehicle has continued to travel at speed without police presence," he said.
An officer then used road-spikes to try to stop it.
"The vehicle continued to travel at high speed and just after 12.05pm collided with another vehicle on Grey St, near the Wellington St intersection," Gemmell said.
"Four people were injured in the crash. The driver of the offending vehicle sustained critical injuries, and three members of the public were moderately injured."
As at 5pm Monday, he said the road is expected to remain closed for "several hours" while a scene examination is carried out by the Serious Crash Unit.
He said a number of investigations are underway, and the matter will be referred to the IPCA.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage, or any relevant information is asked to contact the police via the 105 non-emergency phone number or 105.police.govt.nz, using the reference number 260608/7817.
Information can also be provided anonymously by phoning Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
SHARE ME