Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A 29-year-old man who tried to flee from police after being spotted driving around a Bay of Plenty beach with no lights on has been charged after drugs and a firearm were a found in the car.
Police said they received a report about a car being driven around Papamoa Beach with no lights on, and that the driver had a firearm about 4.15am on Sunday.
Police found the car on Station Road, Te Puke, shortly before 5.30am.
The driver failed to stop for police and road spikes were deployed at the intersection of Boucher Avenue and Slater Place, Te Puke.
Police said the driver stopped the car in King Street, Te Puke, a short time later and fled on foot, but was quickly caught by officers.
Cash, methamphetamine and a firearm were found in the car, they said.
The 29-year-old man is scheduled to appear in Tauranga District Court on 14 August.