Police seek information on alleged road rage incident

Christchurch police are appealing for information on an apparent road rage incident in the city this week, in which a woman's car was pushed off the road.

Senior Constable John Moore of the Christchurch Road Policing Unit says the incident occurred on Johns Road at around 7.45pm on Tuesday night [5 February].

The woman was driving a dark green Nissan south on Johns Road, near the roundabout at Sawyers Arms Road. The driver slowed to 60kmph to pass through road works.

"The driver had travelled around 500 metres past the roundabout, when a white four-wheel-drive vehicle which had been following her appeared to accelerate and rammed into the rear of her car," says Senior Constable Moore.

"The driver reports that she braked, and skidded as her wheels locked up. The four-wheel-drive appears to have backed off a little but then accelerated again, hitting her car hard for a second time.

"The impact caused the Nissan to drift sideways and on to the side of the road. The car tipped over, but fortunately landed back on its wheels without rolling over."

The woman's car came to rest about 300 metres north of McLeans Island Road, opposite the Press printing plant.

The four-wheel-drive vehicle left the scene without slowing or stopping. It may have turned right onto McLeans Island Road.

"The driver was not hurt but was very shaken by the incident, which appeared to be totally unprovoked," says Senior Constable Moore. "The only thing the driver has done was to slow down - correctly - for road works.

"This incident could easily have resulted in serious injuries to the victim and to other road users.

"We are appealing for any help to identify the offending vehicle and its occupants."

Police believe there were two occupants in the four-wheel-drive. The driver is described as a clean-shaven male Caucasian in his twenties, while the passenger is described a female Caucasian, of similar age, with long blond hair.

Investigators have spoken to the driver of the Nissan and to another witness, but are appealing for additional information.

"We know there were other witnesses, and we would like to hear from them as soon as possible."

"We are also seeking help from anyone who can help identify the white four-wheel-drive vehicle, or its occupants."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Constable John Moore on (03) 3637336, or Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.