Attributable to Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi, Rotorua Area Commander:
A man in his 20s is in Waikato Hospital in critical condition after crashing while fleeing Police in Rotorua last night.
Around 10:50pm, Police attempted to stop the vehicle on Ford Road due to speed.
When the driver did not stop, a pursuit was initiated.
Road spikes were deployed, but before these could be effective the driver crashed into a tree on Malfroy Road near the
school.
The man was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
He suffered critical head injuries and was airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the incident will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct
Authority.
Police staff involved in the incident are being supported.
ENDS