“He’s out of control” prolific young offender’s 2-hour reckless joyride

Screen-grab from cell phone footage of teen arrest

One of the youths arrested after driving recklessly for two hours is a prolific offender, well known to police, with a long list of serious offences to his name.

The 15-year-old and another youth were arrested on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway last night after driving on the wrong side of the road, narrowly avoiding pedestrians according to witnesses.

The vehicle involved also allegedly hit a police car. No one was injured.

It’s understood the youth filmed his criminal activities and bragged about his behaviour online to “shocked” classmates.

Police were first made aware of the offending after members of the public reported dangerous driving in Wigram just before 3PM.

Cordons were placed around a wide area in Wigram as police searched for the vehicle.

A commercial helicopter was also chartered by police to maintain observations on the vehicle.

The vehicle allegedly hit a police car on Jones Road and fled southbound on Weedon’s Road around 3:40pm, no one was injured.

An eyewitness said he saw the car driving on the footpath, and “just about cause an accident at the roundabout.”

A police spokesperson said spikes were placed on the intersection of Birches Road and Robinsons Road.

The vehicle was spiked on Memorial Avenue around 4:50 pm.

An eyewitness told Chris Lynch Media she saw the vehicle speeding along the road “narrowly avoiding other motorists.”

During the incident, the youths drove on the wrong side of the road multiple times and went around roundabouts the wrong way the police spokesperson said.

Christchurch’s Southern Motorway following the arrest of two youths last night photo: NZTA

The vehicle was eventually stopped on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway in Wigram around 5pm causing long delays for motorists.

A family member of one of the offenders said “he’s out of control.”

“We’ve pleaded with the justice system to keep the public safe, but nothing much seems to happen.”

Christchurch Metro Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said “fleeing police is not worth it.”

“You put yourself, other members of the public in danger, and Police staff at risk.”

“When you’re signalled by Police to stop, please just stop, as the outcome will be better for everyone involved.”