The police are there to try and protect the citizens, if they are breaking the law the police are doing there job by trying to stop them, however ITS ONLY A CAR, let them go, as stated by the media, the guy was known to police, and showed up at the police station the next day to report for bail reasons.
The police should chase them for a bit, if they dont pull up, forget it. Its a materialistic thing, which can be replaced (yes i understand some people cant afford insurance) however life cant be replaced, the person may be a criminal, but im sure everyone has a relative not exactly on the straight and narrow, and im sure you'd be angry too if a police chase led to their death.
A large percentage of cops these days have a big ego problem, and are always looking for that oppertunity to get the pat on the back from his sarge. If it doesnt carry some sort of recognition or reward.. the cops wont waste their time.