People across Dunedin yesterday reported seeing armed officers in pursuit of an erratically driven white Subaru after a string of vehicle thefts, including a courier van.
The manhunt came as police appealed for information on the whereabouts of Caleb Lynn, wanted over aggravated robbery and other alleged offences.
Police said he was thought to be in Dunedin and had a distinctive "$" tattoo on one side of his face and lettering tattooed on the other.
Police said they could not confirm whether Lynn was in the vehicle.
The witness said they saw the Subaru "speed by" in Corstorphine Rd, followed shortly after by about five police cars.
The officers, who the witness said were armed with Glocks, also had road spikes "ready to go".
"The area was just swarming with police for about two hours.
"It was pretty dramatic."
A police spokesman said they were making inquiries to locate two men who were wanted in relation to several vehicle thefts over recent days.
"About 2.15pm, a vehicle of interest was observed in South Dunedin and was last seen in Ravenswood Rd."
Inquiries were ongoing to locate the vehicle and its occupants, the spokesman said.
Social media yesterday was flooded with comments about the police presence, including one which said a white Subaru almost took them out while police were swarming Corstorphine.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, earlier said a courier van, believed to belong to an NZ Post contractor, was stolen after it was "left unattended" in Outram, about 7.20am yesterday.
While travelling to investigate the stolen van, officers observed a nearby Subaru suddenly take "evasive action to get away from police".
Inquiries made with the owner of vehicle revealed it had been stolen from Milton on Wednesday night, Snr Sgt Bond said.
Police confirmed the courier van was later found abandoned near the entrance to the Taieri Historical Park about 10.45am.
It was unknown whether any parcels were stolen.
NZ Post have been approached for comment.
