Please attribute to Inspector Marcus Lynam, Acting Waikato Road Policing Manager:
Police are continuing to investigate a fatal fleeing driver incident where a driver who had failed to stop crashed on Scott Street, Cambridge last night.
We still have a number of enquiries to make but we can confirm that at approximately 6:30pm an off duty officer observed the vehicle speeding and driving dangerously.
The off-duty officer contacted Police and a nearby unit located the car driving on Scott Street at approximately 6:45pm. The officer activated their lights and sirens but the driver failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the vehicle crashed on Scott Street, near Moore Street.
One occupant of the car died at the scene. Another two occupants remain in Waikato Hospital, one is in a critical condition and the other is in a serious condition.
The driver of the fleeing vehicle, a 34-year-old man, is being treated for minor injuries at Waikato Hospital and remains under Police guard until he is discharged from hospital He wil lbe formally charged and will appear in Hamilton District Court later today
The matter has been referred to the IPCA and the Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
A scene examination was carried out overnight with the road closed until early this morning.
Fleeing driver incidents are incredibly tragic for all of those involved including our staff.
The officer involved in this incident is being provided with welfare and supported by their colleagues.
This once again demonstrates the tragic consequences which can happen if a driver chooses not to stop for Police.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre