Recidivist drink drivers continue to pose a problem for not only Waikato Police but the region's road users following a number of incidents overnight.
In the worst incident District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said an intoxicated man stole a car on Nixon St, Hamilton East, about 1am.
"We understand the car's owner had been drinking at a local bar and had got a ride home with a member of the bar's staff. As they were moving cars they left the keys of one in the ignition with the engine running and our opportunist offender has stolen the vehicle.
"Responding officers located the vehicle on Bader St, Melville, however the fleeing driver refused to stop and reached speeds of up to 100km/h to evade Police who's pursuit was managed by the Northern Communications Centre."
Mr Tooman said when road spikes were used to successfully stop the vehicle the driver was breath tested and returned a breath alcohol reading of 1100mgms.
"The man has several previous drink driving related offences so he was charged with third or subsequent excess breath alcohol, threatening to kill police and failing to stop.
"In addition the man's driver's licence was suspended for 28 days."
Earlier in the evening officers carrying out a routine patrol noticed a vehicle being driven without its lights on in the City about 11pm.
"The car pulled into a Lake Cres address however the driver, who appeared to be driving under the influence of alcohol, refused to carry out a breath or blood test and was thus arrested.
"While our staff were dealing with the driver the occupier of the property came out of the house and began abusing the officer and he to was arrested and charged with obstruction."
Mr Tooman said in both cases the drivers of the vehicles had placed not only their own lives at risk but those of other motorists either through excessive speed or travelling at night with no lights.
Those two incidents were just part of a larger haul of nine intoxicated drivers apprehended by Police across the Waikato overnight
Other offenders facing excess breath alcohol charges include;
A 32-year-old man who blew 467mgms in Matamata
A 29-year-old man who blew 481mgms in Matamata, second offence
A 27-year-old man who blew 508mgms in Morrinsville
An 18-year-old man who blew 532mgms in Hamilton (legal limit for under 20 is zero)
A 26-year-old man who blew 566mgms in Hamilton
A 32-year-old man who blew 566mgms in Hamilton, second offence
A 37-year-old man who blew 578mgms on Pembroke St, Hamilton, who was charged with third or subsequent excess breath alcohol.
Mr Tooman said last week Waikato Police highlighted their concerns about the number of women being processed for drink driving but results later that week and overnight indicate males are more than holding their own.
"It's a gender battle we'd sooner not see at all, if people could see the aftermath of an alcohol related crash that the emergency services have to deal with most wouldn't pick up that glass for another drink.
"Given the Waikato road toll is now 42, compared to 36 for the same time last year, drivers can expect to see an officer, armed with a breath testing unit anywhere- anytime."
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