Franz Josef police have busy weekend

On the 25th of October 2009 at about 1am, Franz Josef Police attempted to stop a vehicle at Jacobs River near Bruce Bay. The driver has pulled into a driveway and attempted to hide with his lights off as Police drove by. Unfortunately for him, he left his foot on the brake pedal and was spotted by the passing patrol car.
The driver has then done a runner, leaving a loaded 7mm08 high powered rifle and a .22 in the vehicle with the car keys. The driver has then jumped into the Jacobs River and swam to the other side where he lay in hiding. Police conducted a search of the immediate area and used a loudhailer to ask him to surrender. Police informed several locals of the situation. The driver was not located. The firearms and ammo were seized. A 50 year old Temuka man later contacted Police and was interviewed at Franz Josef station. He faces a revocation of his firearms licence and possible charges.

Several other vehicles were stopped by Police south of Fox Glacier who were suspected of spotlighting for deer and possums. Two men were spoken to regarding their alcohol consumption whilst handling high powered rifles. Alcohol and firearms do not mix.

At about 11pm on 24th October 2009 at Knights point, Haast, a vehicle with two occupants inside has caught on fire. The vehicle was totally burnt out. Damage to the road testimony to an intense fire. The occupants were able to get out in time. It appears a recently changed tyre may have contributed to the fire. Haast and Fox Glacier fire appliances attended the scene.