Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Two people have been arrested after a vehicle towing a stolen caravan failed to stop for police, resulting in a "reckless" chase in the Coromandel.
Police received a report around 2.25pm that a caravan had been stolen from a Matarangi property.
The caravan was spotted by police being towed shortly after inn Te Rerenga, but the driver ignored the police's demands to stop.
"The driver has then begun driving in a reckless manner and overtaking vehicles," Senior sergeant Leo Belay said.
"We have continued to receive various reports and sightings of this vehicle in the Coromandel area, where it has continued to be driven with disregard to the road rules."
One of the occupants threw a hammer from the fleeing vehicle towards the police, damaging the patrol car.
The alleged offers then threw a wrench, hitting two members of the public in the head, resulting in minor injuries.
"Shortly after, while in the Waiau area, the caravan came off the vehicle that was towing it," Belay said.
"The driver has continued to overtake dangerously while heading towards Coromandel township, where Police lost sight of it.
"Further information from members of the public helped Police relocate the vehicle again as it headed towards Colville."
A police helicopter assisted ground units in locating the vehicle, before road spikes were deployed, bringing the chase to an end.
The three occupants fled on foot, running into a nearby address near Flays Road, and have allegedly stolen another vehicle from a bystander, speeding down the Thames Coast.
The car was eventually abandoned near the Te Puru Track carpark, set on fire, before the offenders decamped into the bush.
Two people were eventually taken into police custody with the assistance of police dog team.
The two vehicles and caravan have been recovered by police and will undergo a forensic examination.
Police said they are following strong lines of enquiry to identify and locate the remaining offenders to hold them accountable for their actions.
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