Two men have been arrested after three police officers were assaulted at a breath screening checkpoint in Dunedin yesterday.
Police said the incident occurred on Brighton Rd in Green Island where officers were carrying out breath screening tests at around 4.15pm.
One vehicle evaded the checkpoint, with the driver allegedly refusing the roadside test and then refusing to go with an officer for an evidential test.
The second occupant of the vehicle joined in as the driver began to argue with the officer.
An altercation ensued with one officer suffering an injured shoulder and two others receiving moderate head injuries.
Police said three officers came to assist and that Tasers were deployed on both men, who were then arrested.
“All three officers have been assessed by medical staff and will be off work for a while.”
Senior Sergeant Karl Hemmingsen described the assault as “appalling” and a “volatile and violent situation”.
“This was a violent assault on three officers who were doing their job by making sure drivers were in a safe state to be behind the wheel.
“I’m so proud of the actions of the officers and incredibly grateful that their injuries weren’t worse.
“At the heart of this is a driver not wanting to deal with the consequences of his actions. If you make the choice to drink before you drive, that’s on you – don’t be surprised when we apprehend you and enforce the law.”
A 24-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault, while a 33-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault, failing to accompany an officer, and refusing an officer’s request to give blood.
Both men are scheduled to appear in Dunedin District Court on December 9.