Drink driving car thief stopped by spikes

File photo / NZ Herald

A drunk man who stole a car in Hamilton last night led police on a 100km/h chase before spikes were used to stop the vehicle.

Waikato road policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman said the 1am incident was among nine cases of drink driving in the region - all involving men.

"We understand the car's owner had been drinking at a local bar and had got a ride home with a member of the bar's staff," he said.

"As they were moving cars they left the keys of one in the ignition with the engine running and our opportunist offender has stolen the vehicle."

Officers spotted the car in Melville, but the driver refused to stop and reached 100km/h as he attempted to evade police.

Mr Tooman said road spikes were used to stop the vehicle and the driver returned a reading of 1100 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The adult limit is 400.

Mr Tooman said the man has several previous drink-driving related convictions. He was charged with third or subsequent excess breath alcohol, threatening to kill police and failing to stop and had his driving licence suspended for 28 days.

Two hours earlier officers followed another car being driven through the city without its lights.

The driver was arrested after refusing to give a breath or blood test when he stopped outside a house.

"While our staff were dealing with the driver the occupier of the property came out of the house and began abusing the officer and he to was arrested and charged with obstruction," Mr Tooman said.

Both drivers had jeopardised not only their lives but those of other motorists, he added.

Waikato police last week highlighted their concerns about the number of women being processed for drink driving but results later that week and overnight indicated men were holding their own.

"It's a gender battle we'd sooner not see at all," said Mr Tooman. "If people could see the aftermath of an alcohol-related crash that the emergency services have to deal with most wouldn't pick up that glass for another drink.

"Given the Waikato road toll is now 42, compared to 36 for the same time last year, drivers can expect to see an officer, armed with a breath testing unit anywhere, anytime."