Patrol car crash investigated

Press, 15 February 1989, Page 3

Patrol car crash investigated

NEIL CLARKSON

The police have been asked to investigate an accident in which a motor-cyclist hit a stationary Ministry of Transport patrol car while being chased by another. The youth, aged 17, was admitted to Christchurch Hospital with a broken leg and head injuries after the accident in Barbadoes Street, about 11.30 p.m. on Monday.

His condition was unavailable last evening. Superintendent Ray Hall, in charge of the Ministry’s Christchurch metropolitan district, handed the matter to the police about 3.30 a.m. yesterday.

“It is always a sensitive matter when we are pursuing someone and they are injured or killed,” he said.

“There is always the public issue as to whether or not the Ministry’s policy was followed, and even whether or hot they are the correct policies. In cases like this we are quite fortunate in being able to have the matter reviewed by another department.”

Mr Hall said that from his understanding of events he was confident his officers had acted properly. On February 11 a patrol car pursued a motor-cyclist in the city, but abandoned the chase.

On Monday the same officer was in another patrol car with another staff member and recognised the motor-cycle, which allegedly had no number plate. A chase developed in St Albans but the motor-cyclist escaped by riding through a school’s grounds. “Another patrol came across the guy shortly after,” said Mr Hall.

Another pursuit developed and the motor-cyclist headed towards the city centre the wrong, way

along Barbadoes Street. The following patrol dropped back but followed the rider. Another patrol car, alerted to the chase over the Ministry’s

radio, headed the correct way along Barbadoes Street. The traffic officer pulled over and stopped. He said the. motorcyclist rode on to the footpath, round a sign and back on to the road, hitting the front of the patrol car. The impact, which shattered a car headlight, occurred at a low speed, he said.

The rider fell from his motorcycle and his helmet, which had no straps, fell off.

Mr Hall said the youth appeared intoxicated and is thought to be a disqualified driver. The motor-cycle is believed to have been stolen.