No carseat for child in fleeing vehicle

A car involved in a hit-and-run crash in Taupō was found with four young people inside, including an unrestrained child. The car, a Nissan Bluebird, was driven from Napier to Taupō on Saturday afternoon, police said. The driver, aged 17, was accompanied by two 16-year-olds and a 4-year-old. A police officer signalled for the driver to stop in Taupō about 6.15pm – but the driver fled. Police then received calls that the car had been driven along the footpath in Lake Terrace. About 6.30pm, it collided with another vehicle. It was found soon after, Inspector Chris Summerville said. The driver faced charges including reckless driving, failing to stop to ascertain injury, failing to stop for police and possession of an offensive weapon.