A 10 tonne truck was stolen in Te Aroha overnight, leading police on a dramatic chase.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The truck was taken just before midnight.
Around this time, a vehicle crashed into the front doors of the Morrinsville Police Station, causing extensive damage, before leaving the scene.
The stolen truck was found shortly after on State Highway 26 heading back towards Te Aroha.
The driver of the truck drove at police cars on multiple occasions while they attempted to stop the truck with cordons and roadspikes.
A helicopter was also deployed.
A vehicle has driven into the Morrinsville Police Station overnight Photo: Supplied
The truck was eventually stopped after police fired shots at the front tyre.
A 54-year-old man has been charged over the truck chase, after the truck plowed into the Morrinsville police station.
He has been charged with unlawful conversion of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, resisting police, intentional damage, assault with a weapon, reckless driving and attempted arson of the vehicle.
He'll be in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
The Acting Waikato District Commander Inspector Julia Lynch said the front doors of the Morrinsville Station are being repaired.
Inspector Jeff Penno said it was a quickly evolving situation which was resolved without injury.
"Police staff involved demonstrated courage and initiative," he said.
