Four fugitives involved in a police pursuit through Central Otago this morning face a range of charges after their high-speed chase was brought to a halt by a flock of sheep.
Senior Sergeant James Ure, of Dunedin, said police had pursued the car after spotting it driving at speed and without licence plates east of Alexandra just before 8am.
The pursuit continued through Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge into the Arrowtown area, despite one of the vehicle's wheels being deflated by road spikes.
The vehicle was driven "in and out of private properties" as patrol cars from Central Otago and Queenstown closed in, Snr Sgt Ure said.
Police managed to make an arrest after the four fugitives -- three men and a woman -- found their way blocked by sheep crossing a road outside Queenstown about 9.30am.
The sheep reportedly belonged to a policeman.
This afternoon, Senior Sergeant Paula Enoka, of Queenstown, said the four had all been charged following the incident.
Two males, aged 19 and 23, have been charged with reckless driving, failing to stop for flashing lights, three thefts in relation to petrol drive offs, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
A male and a female, both aged 14, have been charged with three thefts in relation to petrol drive offs and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
Sen Sgt Enoka said police were relieved that no-one came to serious harm during the pursuit.
''The driving behaviour of those involved was reckless and considerably dangerous providing there were four people in the vehicle.
''Not only did they place themselves in danger by continuing to flee police, but they put a large number of other motorists in danger on the roads due to the distance that they travelled.''
- additional reporting NZ Herald
