Two people have been arrested after an alleged petrol theft and a police pursuit that lasted just seconds before the fleeing driver lost control and crashed near Haruru Falls.
The drama began about 1.20pm yesterday when a driver allegedly tanked up at a Kerikeri service station and left without paying.
A police officer spotted the car heading towards Paihia on Puketona Rd a short time later and activated her lights and siren. The driver of the fleeing car then turned into Haruru Falls Rd and tried to speed off but lost control at the first corner, just past the waterfall car park.
The car, a Hyundai Sonata, skidded across the road and crashed into the bush. Sergeant Kevin Milne, of Kawakawa, said a man and woman were arrested without incident and taken to Kerikeri police station.
Police had not decided on charges by edition time yesterday. The pair were expected to appear in Kaikohe District Court today.
Police were searching the area for a third person who may have been in the car and fled. A witness reported seeing someone running down Haruru Falls Rd towards the river.
The arrested pair were uninjured but traces of blood were found in the car. A scene of crime officer took samples for possible DNA testing.
Police were seen searching driveways around the falls. The car was not stolen.
- Peter de Graaf of the Northern Advocate
