Canterbury Police were alerted to a road rage incident involving the driver of a dark grey 4x4 Nissan and a man who was out walking the family’s puppy with his wife and two children at around 5.45pm last night (24 March 2015).
Detective Sergeant Rex Barnett said “we understand that the man signalled the driver of the Nissan to slow down when he exited the Eyre River crossing onto Downs road as he was out walking with his small children and the family’s 10 month-old puppy.”
“Unfortunately it appears that the driver took umbrage at the man signalling to him and made attempts to knock him down. The man took evasive action to avoid the vehicle, which is reported to have been doing u-turns in the road, but was run over on at least one occasion. On another attempt the man reported that he tried to jump a barbed wire fence to avoid the oncoming vehicle” explained Detective Barnett.
The man was taken to Christchurch Hospital where he received treatment for cuts to his hands from the fence, cuts and bruises on his head and injuries to his shoulder and ankle. He was released last night and is recovering at home with his family.
The 10 month old family puppy is reported to have been hit by the Nissan as it fled the scene. It was taken to a local vet and had surgery for injuries to its legs. Unfortunately the vet had to euthanise the dog today due to the severity of the injuries in such a young animal.
No other members of the family were physically injured but they were understandably very shaken after witnessing the incident and losing a much loved pet in tragic circumstances.
Canterbury Police investigations have led to the arrest of a 51 year old man from Ohoka tonight. He has been charged with injuring with intent to cause GBH and cruelty to an animal. He is due to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow morning.
Canterbury Police and Victim Support are working with the man and his family.
“This was an extremely serious incident and it is lucky that the man was not more seriously injured and that his family escaped injury. It is particularly upsetting for the family’s two children to have witnessed the incident and ultimately lost their new family pet” said Detective Sergeant Barnett.
Canterbury Police would like to thank everyone who has contacted them regarding this incident.
Anyone who witnesses dangerous or erratic driving behaviour is urged to report it to Police by calling *555 from a mobile phone or 111 in an emergency.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404