Two police officers are shaken but unharmed after their patrol car was hit by a suspected drunk driver in Lower Hutt in the early hours of this morning.
The police car was travelling along Waiwhetu Rd around 1am today when a vehicle crossed the centre line and crashed into the side of it, spinning the car around and causing extensive damage to the police car.
The vehicle fled the scene and was located a short distance away with the assistance of a police dog unit.
Inspector Simon de Wit said the safety features did what they were designed to do and protected the officers.
“This could have been much worse,” he said.
“While the investigation is ongoing, this incident shows the impact the decisions you make as a driver can impact other people.”
The patrol car is likely to be written off as a result of the crash.
A 29-year-old Upper Hutt man was arrested and now faces serious charges.
