Police crash - Officer charged

On Monday 1st June 2009 at 10:40am a police officer driving a marked police car executed a U-turn in front of a following car on State Highway 6, Atawahi.

Both vehicles were moderately damaged in the collision but neither driver was injured as a result of the crash.

The officer was operating his radar unit at the time and had attempted to execute the U-turn to pursue a speeding motorist.

However he failed to see a following car prior to commencing his turn.

Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed of Nelson Police stated 'Our enquiries are now completed in relation to this crash.

As a result the officer has been charged with Careless Driving and is due to appear in the Nelson District Court on Friday 3rd July 2009.

He is also required to complete a formal driver assessment by a Police Driving Assessor'.

Issued By: Inspector Michael Coulter