Applauded by members of the public as they secured a fleeing driver, Hamilton Police say much of the credit lies with local residents who helped officers locate the man.
Sergeant Dale Smith of the City's Proactive Policing Team said the arrest of the 24-year-old man came after a foot chase through several Fairfield properties yesterday morning.
"Officers looking for the man, who was wanted on a warrant for escaping custody, had been about to search his Dryden Rd home when he came out of the house- saw police cars in the distance, jumped into his car and sped off.
"The offender's car was blocked by Police vehicles outside shops at Five Crossroads however he rammed a patrol car to reverse out into oncoming traffic and fled north."
Mr Smith said because the driver reached speeds of 100km/h in peak hour traffic Police backed off and a mobile cordon was managed in conjunction with the Northern Communications Centre.
"He sped up to Clarkin Rd then on to Kenny Cres, Holland Rd and on to Heaphy Tce while officers worked to block traffic to minimise the risk to other motorists.
"Turning on to Oxford St he realised he had driven into a cul-de-sac and abandoned his car. Arriving officers were able to track him down because as he fled through local properties the owners were guiding us along his direction of flight."
Chased through Marshall Park the offender was subdued when caught trying to get over a fence.
"He had an officer on one side and a Police dog on the other, he put up quite a struggle during which one of our officers suffered a broken arm, as we were leading him to away to a patrol car several members of a bowling club came out to applaud our efforts.
"This guy's antics behind the wheel in peak hour traffic were of real concern for us so it was great to be able to get him into custody, it was made all the more pleasing given the assistance we received and the appreciation shown, by local residents," said Mr Smith.
An associate of an organised criminal group the man was arrested and faces charges of driving while disqualified, escaping Police custody, resisting arrest, burglary and reckless driving.
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