The driver was a 50-year-old patched Barbarian Stormtrooper and has been charged with dangerous driving. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A patched gang-member will appear in the Whangārei District Court today after a near head-on collision with a police vehicle.
According to Police Mid-North area response manager Senior Sergeant Mark Barratt, two police vehicles were driving along Ruapekapeka Road near Kawakawa in Northland.
"Just after 3pm, out of nowhere a small hatchback appeared and was allegedly travelling at speed, on the wrong side of the road, and narrowly avoided hitting one of the units," he said.
"Staff quickly radioed in the job."
Senior Sergeant Barratt said officers turned around and caught up to the car.
"A traffic stop was carried out and both occupants were taken into custody without incident," said Senior Sergeant Barratt.
The driver was a 50-year-old patched Barbarian Stormtrooper and has been charged with dangerous driving.
He was also sought by police on an unrelated matter and will face that charge in court on Wednesday.
"It's fortunate our staff were not caught up in this man's frankly dangerous behaviour, and they were able to catch up with him," Barratt said.
