Whangamata driver tries to ram police

A driver who refused to stop for police tried to ram patrol cars while being pursued in Whangamata overnight and, once she was stopped, she tried to run off, police say.

The driver of the station wagon refused to pull over for a routine stop about 1.10am, Senior Sergeant Kevin Anderson said.

A short pursuit followed.

"Before the pursuit ended officers had to take evasive action as the female driver attempted to ram the patrol cars," Anderson said.

"Eventually stopped on Ocean Rd, the woman attempted to abandon her car and run off but was caught a short distance away. One unmarked patrol car suffered minor damage to one of its

doors in the process however there were no injuries suffered by any persons involved."

A 40-year-old Whangamata woman had been arrested and charged with failing to stop and reckless driving, Anderson said.

Police were also waiting for the results of blood tests to find out if the driver was intoxicated.

The car was impounded for 28 days.

- © Fairfax NZ News