A teenager is facing the courts, accused of firing a gun at a member of the public after driving into a ditch in Hawke's Bay

Police say a driver acting dangerously in Puketapu was approached by another person, before speeding off.

They say the informant followed the vehicle before it crashed on Dartmoor Road, and they were shot out.

Detective Inspector Martin James says an 18-year-old was arrested in Napier, and will appear in the District Court in the coming weeks.

He's facing three charges, including careless driving and unlawful firearm possession.