Several investigations are underway after a 14-year-old boy was killed when he crashed a stolen car during a police chase.
The young teen driving a Holden Commodore reported stolen from Rotorua, drove away from a Papamoa petrol station without paying on Monday afternoon. He headed southwest and smashed the car into a van when he drove over police spikes while being pursued on State Highway 28 near Tirau.
The boy was Pehi Tahana, of Rotorua.
A 15-year-old female passenger is in Waikato Hospital, while a 15-year-old male passenger was treated and discharged on Monday night. The van driver suffered minor injuries and was left shaken.
Taupo Area Commander, Inspector Kevin Taylor, says his initial view is that police acted appropriately, but their actions will be investigated in detail. The Police Complaints Authority has been informed.
Taylor says police have very robust policies and best practice standards both for pursuits and the use of road spikes.
