Waikato Police say the occupants of a fleeing car who allegedly threw a large quantity of drugs from their vehicle during their attempts to escape Police are lucky to be alive following a crash early this morning.
Shift manager, Senior Sergeant Ray Malcomson, said Police would look to recover the car at first light after it crashed about 2.30am.
"Events began in the Hamilton suburb of Dinsdale shortly before 2am when officers conducted a routine stop on Whatawhata Rd.
"When it was established the car was stolen officers instructed the three occupants to get out of the car but the 35-year-old male driver has instead elected to flee the scene at speed."
Mr Malcomson said as a result of this, a pursuit managed by the Police Northern Communications Centre was initiated with the fleeing driver leading Police to the area of Te Pahu.
"At one point the driver has performed a U-turn on Limeworks Loop Rd and an object was thrown from the car. Recovered, the 28gm package has indicated a positive initial test for methamphetamine.
"Continuing back along Limeworks Loop Rd the driver has done another U-turn before losing control. The car has then crashed down a 3m bank, coming to rest on its side in a creek. The driver has attempted to flee but was successfully tracked by a Police dog."
Mr Malcomson said despite attempting to escape arrest by attacking the Police dog, the man was arrested and taken to Waikato Hospital suffering from a cut to his face caused in the crash and a number of dog bites.
"The female passenger has also been taken to hospital for check-up, neither party is considered to be seriously injured while the third person in the car was unhurt.
"The driver faces a variety of charges including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop, resisting arrest, assaults Police and failing to stop. The passengers each face a charge of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle while a decision is yet to be made in relation to drugs charges."
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