The pursuit began after reports that two men were breaking into cars near Thynne Street in Bruce.

Police arrived on the scene, prompting two vehicles, a white Toyota Vienta and a Blue Ford Falcon, to speed away.

The officers gave chase and tried to stop the Toyota.

But police say the alleged offender, a 30-year-old Kambah man, failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued.

Police chased the vehicle for three minutes through Bruce, into Lyneham, and onto Northbourne Avenue, with the chase reaching maximum speeds of 143km/h in a 80km/h zone.

The car mounted the footpath next to Northbourne Drive, police say, and began to slow down.

The officers, thinking the man was going to flee on foot, positioned a car in its path, near the Canberra Visitors Centre.

Police say the alleged offender then crashed into the police car, got out and ran.

The collision left the passenger of the police car in hospital for observation.

The alleged offender was chased briefly and arrested, and police say he was carrying what is believed to be the drug ice in several clip seal bags.

The man will face court later today, charged with stealing a car, dangerous driving, and possess drug of dependence.

Ambulance officers treated the alleged offender and the driver of the police car for minor injuries.

The chase will be investigated by police professional standards, as standard for all pursuits, and by crash investigators with the Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Team.

Police are calling on witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website.