A man faces serious charges after fleeing from police across Canterbury yesterday, allegedly damaging at least two vehicles and sparking more than a dozen driving complaints between Hurunui and Christchurch.
Police first signalled the blue Ford Falcon to stop in the Hurunui District at about 3.20pm when it was detected travelling at speed. The driver failed to stop, and no pursuit was engaged.
Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison said police received several reports from concerned motorists as the vehicle travelled south.
"Those reports, combined with traffic camera footage, allowed us to track its movements through Culverden, Amberley and Waikuku towards Harewood," he said.
"Despite police not following the car, the driver was seen undertaking vehicles, driving through red lights, travelling the wrong way around roundabouts, and colliding with several vehicles while forcing his way through intersections."
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Ellison said the vehicle was found abandoned on Alexandra St in the Christchurch suburb of Richmond at about 4.30pm, with the police dog unit locating the alleged driver. He was taken into custody.
"Our enquiries remain in the early stages, but we are considering a number of serious charges relating to the incident."
He thanked members of the public who reported the dangerous driving.
"Their information was instrumental in helping us track the vehicle and bring the incident to a safe conclusion."
The alleged driver had put other motorists at "significant risk" with his driving, he added.
"It is extremely fortunate that nobody was seriously injured or killed."
Anyone who captured dashcam footage or video recordings of the blue Ford Falcon should contact police on 105.
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