Crash ends car chase

Press, 20 April 1982, Page 4

Crash ends car chase

PA Auckland A police car and a converted vehicle collided four times on Saturday evening during a high-speed chase through the eastern suburbs of Auckland. The chase ended in Panmure when the stolen car veered off the road, smashed a wooden fence, and came to rest about four metres from a house. The two occupants ran off and the police have been unable to find them. An air rifle was found in the car. Sergeant G. P. Beaurepaire, of Newmarket, estimated damage to the police car about $3OOO to $4OOO. The two policemen in the vehicle were not hurt. At one stage during the chase the two cars were locked together as they travelled more than 50 metres. Sergeant Beaurepaire said the stolen car had braked suddenly, causing the police vehicle to crash into the rear of it. The car careered off Hobson Drive, Panmure, flattened a tree, continued along the grass verge and footpath for about 30 metres and demolished a fence. It was halted by a barbecue made of solid concrete blocks. The police patrol first spotted the car as it was being driven dangerously through the Ellerslie and Panmure areas about 10 p.m.

It had earlier been taken from outside a house in Court Crescent, Panmure. Sergeant Beaurepaire said the car had been driven through red lights and was causing other motorists to take evasive action.