A police car was stolen in the aftermath of a crash this morning on State Highway 38 in Kaingaroa Forest. 

Police were called to a crash on SH38 in the Bay of Plenty at 8.30am in which two people were seriously injured. 

A third person involved in the crash became aggressive with St John Ambulance staff and tried to leave the scene. 

Police then attempted to restrain the man but he was able to break free, get into a police car and flee, heading towards Murupara. 

However, he subsequently crashed the police car near McKee Rd. 

The man did not suffer any serious injuries and was taken into custody. 

He is now likely to face a number of charges, police said. 

Rotorua area commander Inspector Phil Taikato said despite being tasered and pepper-sprayed the man was able to take off in a police car towards Murupara. 

Taikato said the details of the crash were yet to be determined but it was understood the police car was damaged in the crash.