Teenager appears in court after Palmerston North police chase
Thursday 22 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated 
A 15-year-old boy has made his first court appearance following a police chase in Palmerston North. The youth allegedly fled in a stolen vehicle before being rammed by a member of the public and facing several serious charges, including robbery.
Key facts
3 facts
- A 15-year-old boy was arrested following a police chase in Palmerston North on Thursday
- The vehicle involved was a small grey Nissan Tiida
- The chase ended when a member of the public collided with the fleeing car on Ashley St
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A 15-year-old boy has appeared in Palmerston North Youth Court facing several serious charges, including aggravated robbery, burglary, dangerous driving, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and failing to stop for police. The teen made no pleas during his Friday appearance via audiovisual link and was remanded until November for a family group conference.
The incident began around 10.10am on Thursday when police spotted an allegedly stolen Nissan Tiida on Rugby St in Awapuni. The driver failed to stop when signalled and fled, leading police to temporarily abandon the pursuit due to the driving manner.
The vehicle was seen again on Pembroke St around 12.20pm and was spiked with two deflated tyres near Cook St at approximately 12.30pm. After the spiking, the driver allegedly attempted to steal another car before returning to the Nissan Tiida and ramming a police vehicle.
The chase concluded on Ashley St when a member of the public crashed into the fleeing car. The driver was taken into custody without incident at the scene, and no injuries were reported in the collision.
How it developed
- Fri 23 Oct, 4:52pmThe 15-year-old defendant appeared in court on Friday and was remanded until November.
Where reports differ
- Reports vary on the exact location where the chase ended, with one stating it was on Ashley St and another stating it was outside The Plaza
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald and The Post.