As stated by Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker:
A man has died after a crash in Timaru late last night.
About 10.45pm, a driver was observed driving erratically in front of the Timaru Police Station.
A Police unit has signalled for the vehicle to stop however the driver has failed to do so and has driven off at speed.
Police have pursued the vehicle for a brief period before the vehicle returned to outside the station, and the driver was to spoken by Police from inside his vehicle before driving off again.
By this stage Police held concerns for the man’s welfare.
About 11.30pm, the vehicle has been located on Barnard Street and its tyres spiked in an attempt to stop it.
The vehicle then drove back towards the Timaru Police Station, and struck the building at speed.
The driver died at the scene.
The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Police will be working to support the man’s family today, along with our Timaru Police whānau.
The station will remain open to serve the community today.
The man’s death will be referred to the Coroner, and the IPCA has been notified.
