A police officer allegedly hit with a crash helmet following the pursuit of a motorcyclist around North Dunedin will be back on the beat this week.
The pursuit began when a male police officer noted a passing motorcyclist with invalid registration on North Rd, about 9.50pm on Wednesday.
The motorcyclist fled the scene after being signalled to stop, relieving area commander Inspector Jason Guthrie said.
That led to a three-minute pursuit - reaching speeds up to 100kmh - around North Rd and Crown St before returning to North Rd and along Castle St.
The motorcyclist then crashed at low speed, and allegedly swung his helmet at the officer as the officer attempted to arrest him. The officer was struck in the head several times, and punched in the head by the motorcyclist.
Insp Guthrie said the officer called for help by his radio, and another male officer received a cut to his eye as officers restrained the motorcyclist. He confirmed no Taser or pepper-spray was used.
''In fast-moving and highly unpredictable circumstances, there was no time for the officer to deploy either of these tactical options.''
The motorcyclist was uninjured.
The officer was taken to Dunedin Hospital and later discharged.
Insp Guthrie said the road policing officer was his late 20s and was an ''experienced and capable officer with seven years' service''.
He was expected to return to work this week.
• A 19-year-old man, who has name suppression, was charged with possessing cannabis for supply, disqualified driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and assaulting a police officer with intent to avoid arrest.
He appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday morning, and has a registrar's adjournment to appear next month.
