A man wanted on warrants riding a motorcycle with fake registration plates suffered moderate injuries after crashing a motorcycle as he tried to avoid capture in Hamilton yesterday.
The crash happened near the intersection of Riflerange Rd and Norton Rd shortly before 3pm after a Police patrol had earlier stopped the motorbike at the intersection of Tristram and Ward Streets.
The rider had was stopped after officers noticed it had a cardboard registration plate on it but the rider sped off before Police could speak to him.
A pursuit managed by the Police Northern Communications Centre was initiated with speeds described as moderate.
Unknown to officers at the time the rider was wanted on warrants for arrest and is a known gang associate.
Failing to negotiate the underpass near the Riflerange/ Norton Roads intersection the rider swerved to avoid an oncoming car striking a traffic island and falling from his motorbike, colliding with a car and a van causing minor damage.
The rider was arrested for reckless driving and a subsequent search revealed he was in possession of a knife, methamphetamine and cannabis.
The 26-year-old man was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance suffering from moderate injuries.
The Waikato Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident.
End