A Gisborne man arrested after a fleeing vehicle hit a police officer in the Bay of Plenty will appear in court later this month.

Joshua Strickland was set to appear in Whakatane Distrct Court today, however, the matter has now been adjourned until February 28.

The 26-year-old is facing three charges of theft, failing to stop, and dangerous driving.

Strickland was arrested following an incident in Awakeri on December 20, where a constable was hit by car fleeing from police.

The officer was laying road spikes in an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle on Kope Drain Road.

The injured officer was flown to Waikato Hospital with serious leg injuries.

Strickland has been remanded in custody