Driver allegedly runs over officer's feet, rams police car

<p>A police officer's feet were run over and a patrol car rammed by a stolen vehicle in Upper Hutt this afternoon.</p> <p>Hutt Valley Area Commander Inspector Wade Jennings said officers found a stolen vehicle in Silverstream around 3.10pm.</p> <p>During an interaction, the driver allegedly ran over an officer's feet and rammed a police vehicle, Jennings said.</p> <p>The incident led to "minor injuries to the officer and significant damage to the police vehicle".</p> <p>The driver then fled the scene.</p> <p>Jennings said, due to the manner of driving, police did not initiate a pursuit. </p> <p>"Instead, staff maintained observation of the vehicle using a combination of police units, updates from members of the public, and CCTV footage," he said.</p> <p>The driver later abandoned the vehicle and made off on foot. A passenger was taken into custody at the scene."</p> <p>The driver was tracked by a police dog and arrested shortly before 4pm.</p> <p>He was assessed by ambulance staff after sustaining a dog bite during the arrest. </p> <p>"Police would like to thank members of the public who provided information and observations, helping bring the incident to a safe conclusion."</p> <p>The driver is due to appear in court tomorrow on a range of charges.</p>