Switched-on motorists who called Police to report a vehicle being driven dangerously along the highway in Horowhenua have likely prevented a major crash after Police were able to intervene and arrest the driver.
At about 1.48pm yesterday, Police received five calls from concerned members of the public regarding a vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner north on State Highway 1.
Response Manager Horowhenua, Senior Sergeant Sam Gilpin, says calls described the vehicle passing multiple vehicles on double yellow lines, a near miss head on collision and forcing other vehicles off the road.
¡°One of our patrol cars managed to get behind the vehicle and signalled for it to stop, however it failed to do so.
¡°A plan was put in place and spikes were deployed, leading to the vehicle eventually stopping.¡±
Senior Sergeant Gilpin says the driver then fled on foot, jumping fences and into a paddock where he was eventually taken into custody without further incident.
¡°This was a great result that undoubtedly saved lives and prevented serious injuries on our roads.
¡°Our plea to people getting on the roads for the remainder of the holiday period is simple - we want you, and your family and friends to get home alive.¡±
Senior Sergeant Gilpin says this also serves as a reminder to anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour, including dangerous driving, to call us on 111 immediately.
A 31-year-old man will appear in Levin District Court today charged with failing to stop, reckless driving, escapes from Police custody and refusing an officer¡¯s request to give blood.
His vehicle was also impounded.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/51½ÖÉä?