Young driver hits police

At about 7.15 pm last evening, Wednesday 2 January 2008, a patrolling Police car was struck head on by a stripped down unregistered and unwarranted car in Westport. 

The car was being driven around a gravel access road to the beach when it slid into the Police vehicle. 

The driver, a 19 year old local youth, was arrested for Dangerous Driving and is facing further serious charges of Driving Whilst Disqualified and Excess Breath Alcohol. 

The 52 year old constable received a minor head laceration and was taken to Buller Hospital by ambulance where he was treated and discharged. 

The Police vehicle was extensively damaged.