Fleeing Driver Apprehended After SH6 Crash Near Winton
Invercargill police have successfully apprehended a man following a dramatic incident involving a fleeing driver that concluded with a vehicle crash south of Winton. The event resulted in the temporary closure of State Highway 6 as the Serious Crash Unit carries out its investigation.
High-Speed Pursuit Abandoned for Public Safety
The sequence of events began around 5 PM when officers attempted to engage with a driver in Invercargill regarding a reported driving concern. Instead of complying, the driver chose to flee. A pursuit was authorized; however, it was swiftly abandoned after the man's driving became dangerously erratic, posing a significant risk to public safety.
Strategic Police Response Leads to Apprehension
According to Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman, police executed a coordinated strategy. "We allowed other units to get into place ahead of the vehicle," Inspector Bowman explained. This tactical decision led to the deployment of spike strips across State Highway 6, specifically located south of Winton near its junction with McKenzie Road.
Shortly after encountering the spike strips, the vehicle veered off the road, crashing into a water table. Fortunately, the male driver sustained only minor injuries, and two other occupants in the car were reported to be physically unharmed in the incident.
Investigation and Potential Charges Underway
As a result of the crash, SH6 remains closed, with diversions in place to manage traffic flow while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a thorough examination of the scene. Police confirmed that inquiries into the incident are ongoing, and potential charges against the driver are currently under active consideration.