The police aircraft was called in to help Mount Gambier Police locate a driver on Saturday night.

Patrols tried to stop the driver after his utility was spotted travelling at speed along Pick Avenue at 10.30pm, however he failed to stop.

The utility was then followed from the air by PolAir who directed patrols to Bishop Road where the vehicle’s wheels were successfully spiked.

The driver was then seen fleeing on foot north into a pine forest where he was located a short time later hiding in trees.

The 28-year-old from Millicent was charged with dangerous driving to escape a police pursuit, drive unregistered and uninsured, unlawful possession and unprescribed number plates after checks revealed the utility had unassigned plates attached.

He has been bailed to attend the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on May 3.

Meanwhile, a man has been arrested after he allegedly set fire to a car and threatened another man known to him.

Bordertown, Keith and Naracoorte Police were called to the rear of the Wolseley Hotel where a Holden station wagon was on fire just after 7.30pm on Sunday.

Police allege the suspect set the car alight and then threatened the victim with a small axe. The victim was not physically injured.

The 52-year-old from Wolseley, has been charged with arson and aggravated assault.

He was refused bail to appear in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court.