A man has been arrested after series of crimes, including allegedly ramming a police car.
The man in custody allegedly stole a car and robbed a service station in Ashburton at about 4.30am.
A media release from Canterbury Police said a security guard tried to follow the car and was rammed as a result
Police intercepted the alleged offender between Ashburton and Mayfield. A patrol car was hit in that incident, causing major damage.
A police spokesperson said a stolen vehicle was then found on fire in the Mt Somers area. Later, a second stolen vehicle was spotted near Christchurch Airport. Police tried to stop the driver, who evaded road spikes.
Police abandoned the chase deeming it too risky.
Police responded to a report of a second vehicle set alight on Oakfield Street in Burnside at about 8am.
A couple of hours later, a third stolen vehicle was pulled over on Gloucester St. A man was taken into custody about 10am.
There were no injuries during any of these incidents, according to police.