Photo released of driver sought by Police

Christchurch Police have released a photograph of the man they are seeking in relation to a crash at Leeston earlier this month.

Police have named him as Joel Allan Linwood, aged 23, of no fixed abode.

Police say Linwood is wanted on a warrant to arrest for the unlawful taking of a vehicle from a Dallington address early on the morning of Tuesday 7 May.

Later that same day he was driving the car when it was involved in a crash with a four-wheel drive vehicle in Leeston.

Two passengers in the stolen vehicle were injured. Linwood fled the scene and has not been located since.

Detective Sergeant Tania Jellyman of the Christchurch volume crime unit says Linwood faces charges over the crash, and Police also want to speak to him in relation to a range of other offences.

"This man is a prolific car thief," she says. "He has been linked to a number of other unlawful takings of cars all over the South Island, including incidents in Motueka, South Canterbury and the West Coast.

"We are also concerned about his driving. He was involved in a pursuit a few days prior to the Leeston crash, in which his vehicle was reported to have reached speeds of up to 130 kilometres an hour around Christchurch's eastern suburbs.

"He has already injured people through his careless driving and our fear is that he is going to cause serious harm to someone. He needs to be taken off the road - and we're anxious to find him"

Detective Sergeant Jellyman says Linwood, who is believed to have connections in Tasman and the West coast, as well as in Christchurch, appears to be actively avoiding Police.

"We are appealing for any sightings of this man - or for anyone who knows where he is to contact Police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jellyman on (03) 3637746, or Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS