A 17-year-old male youth is currently in Police custody following a number of incidents in Palmerston early this morning.

Detective A/Senior Sergeant Karl Day from the Serious Crime Squad said at around 2am Police received a report of a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser from a residence on Woodroffe Avenue.

"Police located the vehicle a short time later, however lost sight of it as it sped off," Detective A/Senior Sergeant Day said.

"The Northern Watch Commander was patrolling the area when the Police vehicle was struck to the side by the stolen vehicle near the intersection of Elrundie and Tilston Avenue.

"Police followed the vehicle, which they later located crashed into bollards along Temple Terrace in Moulden.

"It is alleged the youth fled the vehicle on foot and was apprehended by Police nearby.”

The alleged offender is expected to be charged later this afternoon with a number of traffic offences including recklessly endanger life and assault Police.

The Police car was extensively damaged and investigations into the crash, and the events surrounding the incident, are ongoing.