A senior Hamilton Police officer is commending the quick thinking of his staff overnight after a man who fled Police in his car was arrested with a quantity of methamphetamine overnight.
Shift Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Jason McKay, said members of the Public Safety Team were patrolling in Hamilton East about 10.45pm when they noticed a car do a U-turn on Grey St.
"They turned on their siren and blue and red lights to indicate to the driver they wanted him to pull over however instead the driver fled down Grey St and on to Bridge St before turning right on to Von Tempsky St.
"The driver abandoned his car by Hamilton East School and ran towards the Waikato River to avoid officers who were now chasing him on foot. Reaching Memorial Park the man's flight came to an abrupt end when he tripped on stairs and fell, breaking his arm."
Mr McKay said as officers treated the 25-year-old driver it became apparent why he had been so keen to avoid speaking to Police.
"Officers recovered over 7gms of methamphetamine on the man. After he was treated at Waikato Hospital he was brought back to the Hamilton Central Police Station where he was charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and failing to stop."
Mr McKay said the man will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court later today.
"Last night's arrest highlights the value of officers following their instincts and in this case, just as we tell the public, seeing something and doing something about it. By their actions they have removed a reasonable amount of a dangerous drug from Hamilton streets."
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