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Police Use Road Spikes to Stop Driver

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 February 2006, 15:01 CST

By CHALMERS, Anna

Man faces charges after high-speed chase along the coastal highway.

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A RECKLESS driver who forced cars off the road as he sped from police was only stopped after he drove his pick-up truck through road spikes laid by police.

The pursuit began south of Waikanae last night and was called off twice because of concerns that the 28-year-old driver of the red Chevrolet would kill somebody.

Police started chasing the driver near Paraparaumu just before 8.30pm after receiving calls from the public. Highway Patrol constable Grant Pollock said when officers signalled for the vehicle to pull over near Paekakariki, the driver sped off. Mr Pollock, who pursued the vehicle which at times was believed to be travelling more than 40kmh over the speed limit, called the chase off south of Paekakariki.

Vehicles were being forced off the road as the driver sped around blind corners, on the wrong side of the road, he said.

"It was horrendous driving on one of the worst stretches of highway. Obviously he was putting a lot of people's lives in danger."

The pursuit had to be called off again near Mana shortly after it was restarted, because of continued high speeds in the built-up area.

Police set up road spikes -- likened to hollow nails -- at Plimmerton and after the vehicle drove over them its tyres deflated and the driver was eventually pulled over at the Paremata roundabout.

"We knew we had other options. As luck would have it we had a perfect clear spot as the other cars pulled over."

Police do not believe any vehicles were hit during the chase, but have requested any drivers forced off the road between Waikanae and Plimmerton to contact Porirua police.

A man is in police custody and is due to appear today in Porirua District Court on several charges.

Source: Dominion Post

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