By 3 News online staff
A man is in a critical condition after hiding from Rotorua police in a thermal pool.
Rotorua district commander Glenn Dunbier says two dog handlers were pursuing the man after reports he was stealing cars from central Rotorua.
“The police dog tracked to a hot pool and the officers found the man completely immersed trying to hide.”
The man was then able to be arrested by police, but as the police led him to the patrol car, he took another chance to hide in another pool. He got into trouble and had to be rescued by police officers.
“He came up but immediately disappeared under the water again,” Mr Dunbier says. “The officers immediately realised he was in trouble and one of the officers leapt in and dragged him to safety.”
The man was given first aid at the scene and taken to hospital, but police say he is still likely to be charged with several offences.
3 News