Crimeline: Drunk man takes on police
A drunk local man found lying on a footpath allegedly tried to punch a police officer, before biting, spiting and also attacking their patrol car.
Police were called after the intoxicated 27-year-old was discovered lying on the footpath along Peninsula Road, shouting loudly, at 11.30pm on Saturday, 31 May.
Constable Amanda Shute says when police arrived, he refused assistance to get home and soon after was spotted attempting to open the boot of a parked vehicle.
He then approached police and allegedly grabbed the officer by their police vest, then walked onto the road, refusing to cooperate with police instructions, Shute says. Still undeterred, the man then approached the police vehicle and allegedly began hitting it with a closed fist before grabbing the light bar and shaking it.
“He was then advised he was under arrest and police attempted to handcuff him, however, he allegedly lunged at the officer and swung his fist at them,” she says.
The male then allegedly continued to resist police attempts to handcuff him. On the ride back to the Police Station the man then allegedly spat at an officer and bit him on the forearm.
He's now facing two charges of unlawful interference with a motor vehicle, three of assaulting and one of resisting police. The man has appeared in court and been remanded on bail to reappear on 14 July.
Lock up your gear – Winter is here!
Police are warning people out on the town enjoying the bars to check that jackets and belongings are secure and never leave items unattended while on the dance floor. They’re also being urged to ensure ski and snowboard gear is well secured at local skifields.
Sergeant Tracy Haggart says winter’s truly here and bar patrons should check jackets into secure coat storage if the bar provides this or have someone from their group remain with their personal belongings if they’re heading onto the dancefloor. “Do not leave gear unattended,” she says.
“Also, lock up your ski and snowboard equipment if you can or have someone keep an eye on it,” Haggart says. Retractable locks designed specifically to help keep gear safe can be purchased from snow sports shops.
“Ensure that you have identifying features on your gear. This will help minimise the opportunity for thefts of your precious and valuable belongings, or someone accidentally picking up the wrong gear.”
Drink driver crashes on Malaghans Road
A 24-year-old local man allegedly blew 1300mcg after crashing a vehicle into a wire rope on the left side of Malaghans Road at 2.39am on Saturday, 1 June. The man, who’s been suspended from driving for 28 days, has been charged with drink driving and operating a vehicle carelessly and appeared in the Queenstown District Court yesterday (4 June).
Speedster clocks whopping 154km/hr
A 48-year-old local man was allegedly clocked driving at a whopping 154km/hr in a passing lane near Roaring Meg in the Kawarau Gorge at 1.44pm last Wednesday, 28 May. He’s been charged with driving a motor vehicle at a dangerous speed, had his vehicle impounded and licence suspended for 28 days.
Speeding American done for drink driving
A 29-year-old American visitor allegedly blew 672mcg after being stopped by Police for speeding at 114km/hr in an 80km/hr zone between Frankton and Ladies Mile at 2.36am on Tuesday, 3 June. Constable Amanda Shute says the person had their licence suspended for 28 days and was issued at infringement notice for speeding and is set to appear in the Queenstown District Court tomorrow (Friday, 6 June).
And a 19-year-old Central Otago man was stopped in Frankton Road, 3.40am, 29 May, and allegedly blew 531mcg. Drivers under 20 are subject to zero alcohol limit, so he's due to appear in court on 18 July.
