A Hamilton man who had already crashed his car into an elderly couple's vehicle allegedly left the scene of the crash to buy alcohol before he crashed his own car when he saw Police cars responding to the original smash.
Waikato Road Policing Manager said the 32-year-old man admitted to Police he had been drinking prior to the crash at the intersection of Boundary Rd and Heaphy Tce yesterday.
"As the driver of the car got out of his vehicle to check his wife was all right he collapsed, the offender has then driven off and it appears he and his male passenger drove to a nearby liquor store to purchase more alcohol.
"As they were returning home the offender's car, being driven with a damaged bonnet, was seen by a Highway Patrol car heading to the crash scene.
"The driver has turned off to avoid Police and driven straight into a power-pole. Attempting to flee the driver was arrested."
Uncooperative with Police the driver was charged with refusing officers request for blood, failing to remain at the scene of a vehicle collision, dangerous driving causing injury and held in custody for detoxification.
The elderly couple injured in the initial collision required treatment at Waikato Hospital.
Mr Tooman said yesterday's incidents highlighted the need for road policing measures to be applied in rural and urban environments irrespective of the time of day.
"With the long weekend nearly upon us people need to be aware they can expect to encounter our officers anywhere at any hour of the day and we will be particularly focusing on speed, alcohol and seatbelts," he said.
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