Man charged with assaulting police officers, causing damage to vehicles

A 39-year-old man who allegedly drove his vehicle into two police vehicles after fleeing from officers who were conducting a traffic stop is facing multiple charges.

The incident on Wednesday began at Five Cross Roads in the Hamilton suburb of Claudelands.

At around 10.15am officers were trying to speak to the driver of a vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Leo Belay of the Waikato police said the man refused to engage with them and fled in his vehicle.

After spikes were deployed the man drove his vehicle to nearby Claude Street, where officers found him driving in a dangerous manner on the road committing a sustained loss of traction, Belay said.

During this time, the driver deliberately drove his vehicle into two of the responding police units, causing significant damage to all three vehicles involved.

Officers used a taser and OC spray while they were arresting the man. Two officers suffered minor injuries while the man was being taken into custody, Belay said.

The man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Thursday charged with failure to remain stopped for an enforcement officer, operating a motor vehicle causing sustained loss of traction, dangerous driving, assault of a police officer with a blunt instrument and resisting police.