Driver arrested after Catlins pursuit

Police were led on pursuit through the Catlins tonight, ending with vehicle crashing into bush and an arrest after a driver allegedly tried to evade police.

The pursuit began in Balclutha about 5.40pm and ended some 50km away at Papatowai in South Otago shortly after 6pm. 

Clutha-Taieri area response manager Senior Sergeant Alastair Dickie said officers observed a vehicle which appeared to be suspicious.

Attempts were made to stop it, but the driver allegedly fled and police were forced to pursue him through Owaka to Papatowai. No one else was in the vehicle.

Three squad cars were involved in the chase with an officer from Owaka joining in.

The driver, a 28-year-old man, was identified to police as a "weapons carrier'' and was known to have been disqualified from driving. 

Snr Sgt Dickie said the pursuit was believed to have reached speeds of up to 140km/h.

"Speeds were up there initially, but it slowed down due to the state of the road.''

Police attempted to use spikes to stop the vehicle, however it managed to evade these. A dog handler and units were also sent from Invercargill to assist.

The vehicle lost control in hills near Papatowai before crashing into bush. The driver then allegedly tried to flee on foot, but was apprehended soon after. 

Snr Sgt Dickie said the dog unit was still sent to the scene after the crash, as police believed the man may have stowed a firearm in the bush.

The man was taken to Balclutha police station for questioning. He was believed to have gang affiliations and was from the North Island.

A police spokeswoman said the man faced driving charges "among others''. He was not hurt in the incident.

samuel.white@odt.co.nz