Cop chases bandit

Grabbing a push bike, the alleged drink driver tried to make a getaway. But his efforts to pedal from police on a busy Hamilton street after a fleeting car chase were thwarted by a constable who ran him down. Around 6pm on Thursday, a motorist reported a car being driven erratically on State Highway 1 at Tamahere. Officers responded and attempted to stop the red Nissan Maxima as it travelled towards Hamilton, Senior Sergeant Will Loughrin said. Yet the driver had other ideas and a pursuit began. It wasn’t long before police decided to abandon the chase on East Street after deeming it too risky, Loughrin said. At about 6.10pm another member of the public called to say the same vehicle was parked on Casey Avenue. The offender was seen, too. He grabbed a push bike and tried to roll away towards River Rd but an officer managed to run the man down and grab him. The 41 year old was arrested and, when given a breath test, was found to be over the legal alcohol limit for driving. He was taken back to Hamilton Central Police Station and was due to appear in Hamilton District Court yesterday. ‘‘Police would like to thank the members of the public that called 111 and assisted us in catching this offender who endangered so many members of the public by his manner of driving,’’ Sergeant Chris McRae said later. ‘‘He now faces numerous charges relating to the incident as well as charges relating to stolen property.’’