Driver charged over test refusal
A 48YEAROLD man was arrested in Dunedin yesterday for failing to provide a blood specimen, after being stopped over suspected drinkdriving.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said the man’s vehicle was pursued by police in Crawford St after officers saw it ‘‘swerving in its lane and running a red light’’ about 12.30am.
The vehicle, with two occupants, stopped a short distance away in Cumberland St, near Queens Garden.
Snr Sgt Bond said the driver claimed he had not consumed alcohol that evening, but in a passive breath test, returned a ‘‘fail’’ result.
‘‘A subsequent breath screening test returned a result of over 400[mcg].
‘‘An evidential breath test was conducted roadside in the police vehicle. However, the driver was belligerent, aggressive and uncooperative throughout, and refused to provide adequate breath samples.’’
Snr Sgt Bond said the man was then asked to provide a blood specimen, but again refused to cooperate.
He was arrested and charged with refusing a blood test. He is due to appear in the Dunedin District Court on May 19.