Police apprehended a man in Christchurch who hid in a garage following a chase through commuter traffic on Friday morning.
He was driving erratically, including through roadworks and fences, private property, a river and a golf course, at high speed.
The chase began in north Canterbury, and ended 30km away on a quiet residential street in Woolston. There, the suspect ditched the stolen green 4WD Nissan Patrol and ran into a garage.
"The police all ran in there, they were checking all around, jumping the fences and stuff," says neighbour Nicole Tainui.
"One of the police officers was like, 'You better not be lying to me - where is he?' I said seriously, I don't know.'"
Ms Tainui had seen the man go into her neighbour's garage, but said he was acting so casually she thought he was a friend of the neighbour's.
A police dog led officers into the garage, where they found the suspect hiding up in the beams, near the ceiling.
"The guy jumped down from the top onto the police officer," says Ms Tainui.
Nicole Tainui shows Newshub journalist Thomas Mead where the suspect was hiding (Newshub.)
"One of the police officers was like, 'Grab the Taser! Grab the Taser! I need help, I need help.' And then they all ran in there and grabbed him.
"There was a lot of smashing and stuff, broken plates and that. Then they all ran out here and they had him... pushed him down."
Police say they are speaking to the driver of the 4WD, and he assisting them with their inquiries. They're seeking anyone else who saw the vehicle between 9am and 10am.
Witnesses should call police on (03) 363 7400 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
