Arrests after crash

Nelson Police have today made several arrests following an investigation into the death of 21 year old Aaron Wayne CHALMERS-HILL in a motor vehicle crash at Upper Moutere on Sunday 28 June 2009.

He was the driver of a car that lost control and crashed over a bank whilst overtaking a second vehicle on the outskirts of the small rural community. A passenger in his vehicle was seriously hurt and hospitalized although he has since been discharged.

Police have carried out a detailed examination of the scene and the vehicle as well as interviewing a large number of witnesses. These included the occupants of the second vehicle and another associated vehicle, both of which contained persons known to Mr CHALMERS-HILL.

Acting Detective Sergeant Craig JOHNSTON said it is apparent the vehicles of Mr CHALMERS-HILL and the vehicle he was passing were traveling well in excess of the posted speed limits and had been for some distance prior to the crash, whilst the third vehicle was some distance behind.

As a result the 21 year old male driver of the second vehicle has been charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing injury, whilst the 22 year old male driver of the third vehicle has been charged with being a party to operating a motor vehicle in a race, attempting to pervert the course of justice and driving while disqualified.

An 18 year old male passenger in the third vehicle has similarly been charged with being a party to operating a motor vehicle in a race and attempting to pervert the course of justice. All three will be appearing in the Nelson District Court.

This very avoidable and tragic incident ended in the loss of a young life and it is timely to remind all motorists of the dangers of speeding, particularly around racing.

Tasman District Police adopt a zero tolerance approach to speeding and racing. Anyone choosing to operate outside the road rules can expect to be held legally accountable for their actions said Acting Detective Sergeant JOHNSTON.