A Dunedin man who was allegedly driving into oncoming traffic on a southern highway admitted to huffing from a butane gas canister while behind the wheel, police say.<\/p>\n
Sergeant Matt Lee, of Dunedin, said police were called to State Highway 1, north of Palmerston, after receiving multiple calls about a vehicle being driven dangerously about 5pm yesterday.<\/p>\n
The driver was allegedly repeatedly crossing the centre line, driving into oncoming traffic, changing speeds erratically and accelerating and braking heavily, Sgt Lee said.<\/p>\n
A patrol spotted the vehicle travelling south and attempted to stop it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But the driver failed to stop for police, continued his heavy braking and nearly came to a full stop before accelerating away at speed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another patrol managed to manoeuvre in front of the vehicle and, through the coordinated actions of both units, the vehicle was brought to a rolling stop in Palmerston and was “boxed in”.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Behind the wheel was a 39-year-old man, from Dunedin, who was arrested.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The man passed his breath screening test, but failed his compulsory impairment test, Sgt Lee said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“A can of butane gas was located under the front seat.<\/p>\n
“He admitted to huffing the butane gas while driving.”<\/p>\n
The man was charged with failing to stop third and subsequent, and dangerous driving.\u00a0<\/p>\n