Please attribute to Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi:
About 2.40am today, Police attempted to pull over a speeding vehicle on Ngongotaha Road in Rotorua.
The driver failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.
Road spikes were successfully deployed at the intersection of State Highway 29 and McLaren Falls Road and the driver eventually came to a stop.
Fleeing driver incidents are very fast-paced dynamic situations and unfortunately, as the pursuing officer was getting out of his vehicle to arrest the driver, he was involved in a collision with another patrol car arriving on scene.
That patrol car then collided with a third Police vehicle.
The officer sustained a broken leg and was taken to hospital. There were no further injuries.
A 31-year-old man with two outstanding warrants was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, failing to stop and possession of a knife in a public place.
He is due to appear in Tauranga District Court today.
Drivers who choose not to pull over for Police when instructed put themselves, other members of the public and our staff at risk.
The message is clear, anyone who is signalled to stop by Police should pull over immediately.
A Serious Crash Unit investigation is underway.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre