Up to five motorists had to be prevented from following in an hour-long chase that damaged two police cars.
The police had to spike the stolen car's wheels three times before it was stopped. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The police said up to five motorists had put their lives at risk by following the police pursuit in Napier.
Acting Hawke's Bay Area Commander Rob Jones said cars formed a procession during the chase, diverting police attention away from the pursuit.
The behaviour was stupid, Inspector Jones said, with police involved in the chase having to stop the other drivers from following.
The pursuit, which varied in speed, began about 11pm last night on Kennedy Road when police spotted a stolen Toyota.
The car was eventually stopped about an hour later after the wheels were spiked three times.
Two police cars were damaged during the pursuit.
A 30-year-old man is due to appear in the Hastings District Court today, facing four charges including theft of a vehicle and reckless driving.