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Police deployed spikes on Monday to stop a stolen vehicle near Taupiri.
A motorist in a stolen vehicle refused police signals to stop, even after having their tires spiked and forced to ride on rims.
They lost a tire before coming to rest on State Highway 1B near Taupiri.
The drama started Monday afternoon in Whitianga with a car theft.
The vehicle was located by police near Waiomu at around 2:20 p.m. The motorist did not stop on instructions and forced an officer to take evasive maneuvers to avoid being hit. The officer was unharmed.
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Waikato District Superintendent Bruce Bird said no pursuit had been initiated and that Eagle followed the vehicle as it continued south on SH25.
“The vehicle was successfully punctured around 3:15 p.m. near Pūkorokoro/Miranda.
“It kept going, ran on its rims and finally lost a tire near State Highway 2 at Mangatangi.”
A chase was authorized as the vehicle approached Hampton Downs because of the risk to the public, Bird said.
The vehicle lost control shortly thereafter and came to a stop while attempting to enter a roundabout near the northbound Gordonton Rd exit of State Highway 1B.
Bird said two people were subsequently apprehended.
“The occupants were slightly injured and could be treated at the scene.”
The SH1B/Gordonton Rd northbound roundabout was closed for approximately two hours from 4.30pm while an investigation was carried out on site and the oil was cleared away.
Bird said charges were being considered and investigations were underway.
In a tweet, Waka Kotahi warned motorists there could be delays and said to follow directions from emergency services.