Stolen ute worth $50k driven into Maitai River
A man swam the width of Nelson’s swollen Maitai River to avoid capture, police say.
The man is accused of stealing a Murchison ute that ended up submerged in the river on Saturday.
The ute valued at about $50,000 is expected to be a write-off after spending several days in the swollen river.
Timoti Swete and Ranui Taylor, both 27 and from Christchurch, appeared in the Nelson District Court on Monday on several charges related to the incident.
Swete is also accused of stealing a second vehicle, a subaru, from a Christchurch car yard, which the pair allegedly used to get to Nelson.
Judge Richard Russell read the police summary of facts outlining the alleged offences by the pair, who have not entered pleas.
They are accused of stealing the Holden Colorado 4WD, estimated to be worth around $50,000, from a farm in Murchison.
The vehicle was later recognised in Nelson by the owner’s brother while the two were at a liquor store, the court has heard. The stolen Subaru, also valued at about $50,000, was later found in a Hardy St, Nelson garage.
On Saturday, police said Taylor was arrested in Nelson city after getting out of the vehicle. The summary of facts said Swete then drove off, and the vehicle was seen speeding up the Maitai Valley.
Judge Russell said an officer approached Swete who was near the car upon discovering the vehicle submerged in ‘‘the flooded and swollen river’’.
‘‘The officer who has approached you has shown his identification, and then you ... told him where to go and went off into the bush,’’ Judge Russell said.
After a police search involving dogs, Swete is alleged to have jumped into the river to avoid the police. He later emerged on the other side where he was arrested.
Judge Russell said Swete told police he didn’t drive the car into the river, and said the driver had run away before police arrived.
The pair have been remanded in custody and will come before the court in three weeks to
enter pleas.