A 27 year old man is facing serious charges after a fleeing driver incident that damaged vehicles and prompted 16 driving complaints between Hurunui and Christchurch on Friday afternoon.

Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison said the driver put members of the public at significant risk with his driving, which damaged at least two vehicles.

“It is extremely fortunate that nobody was seriously injured or killed,” Ellison said.

Police first signalled a blue Ford Falcon to stop in the Hurunui District at about 3.20pm after detecting it travelling at speed.

The driver failed to stop, but police did not pursue the vehicle at that stage.

“As the vehicle travelled south, we received a number of reports from concerned motorists.

Those reports, combined with traffic camera footage, allowed us to track its movements through Culverden, Amberley and Waikuku towards Harewood,” Ellison said.

“Despite Police not following the car, the driver was seen undertaking vehicles, driving through red lights, travelling the wrong way around roundabouts, and colliding with several vehicles while forcing his way through intersections.”

The vehicle was located abandoned on Alexandra Street in Richmond about 4.30pm.

“A Police dog unit located the driver a short distance away and he was taken into custody.

“Our enquiries remain in the early stages, but we are considering a number of serious charges relating to the incident.

“I want to thank the members of the public who contacted us. Their information was instrumental in helping us track the vehicle and bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”

Police are seeking dashcam footage or video recordings of the distinctive blue Ford Falcon.

Anyone who can assist is asked to file a report online through 105 or call 105, quoting reference number P066754732.