At approximately 9:15am Police received a report of a petrol drive off from a service station on State Highway 5, near Waiotapu Loop Road.
A short time later Police located the vehicle involved in the theft being driven on SH5 near Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa.
Police attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop. Police began to follow the driver but stopped a short time later due to the manner of his driving.
At around 9:45am the driver crashed on State Highway 30, near Rotorua Airport.
He received serious injuries in the crash and is being transported to Rotorua Hospital via ambulance.
The Serious Crash Unit will be investigating the crash.
The road remains open with traffic control in place, but motorists should expect some delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre