A driver who fled police for 25 kilometres – despite all four tyres of his ute being deflated – has been charged with a raft of driving and weapons charges.

Footage appeared on social media last week of a silver ute driving erratically on its rims.

Whakatāne acting prevention manager Senior Sergeant James Renwick said the 26-year-old Rūātoki man failed to stop for police in Whakatāne on Thursday afternoon.

“The man fled on Tāneatua Road, where police deployed tyre deflation devices, causing all four of his tyres to completely deflate.

“He continued to drive a further 25 kilometres before coming to a stop in Rūātoki, where he was apprehended by police.”

Mr Renwick said the man has appeared in court on a raft of driving and weapons charges and has been released on bail.