Police Beat: Birthday boy fled police

A fleeing driver had an unusual birthday when he appeared in Hamilton District Court on Monday facing driving charges following a lengthy pursuit in the northern Waikato.

Hamilton shift manager, Senior Sergeant Kevin Anderson said Waikato and Counties Manukau officers combined to make the arrest after the man failed to stop for a routine vehicle check in Huntly's Harris St about 1.43am.

"The driver of the stolen red Honda Accord accelerated away from the police patrol and headed along Hetherington Rd towards Waingaro while the male passenger was seen throwing items from the car.

Mr Anderson said road spikes were deployed at the intersection of SH22 and Churchill Rd by the Onewhero Golf Course but it wasn't until several kilometres later that the Honda was stopped on Mercer Ferry Rd.

"Both males were arrested and charged with the theft of the car and driving offences. We understand the man driving turned 18 on Monday and as such will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court as an adult offender."