KEY POINTS:
A police officer has a broken leg and possible broken ankle after being dragged 40 metres by a car when he tried to breath test its driver.
The officer had stopped the 18-year-old woman on Brownston Street in Wanaka about 3.30am today, when she accelerated across the street, taking him with her.
The vehicle hit a fence and building and narrowly missed a stream and large tree - before coming to a halt.
Constable Mike Johnston said the officer managed to arrest the woman despite his injuries and take her to Wanaka Police Station, where she was processed for drink driving.
The woman was likely to face further charges, he said.
The injured officer was treated for a broken right lower leg and suspected broken left ankle and is now recovering at home.
Constable Johnston said: "Our injured officer is extremely lucky to be alive and we are thankful he will still be around to spend Christmas with his family.
"Yet again we are left with the consequences of the irresponsible actions of an allegedly drunk driver creating victims."
All police officers in Wanaka had been called in to help investigate the incident, Constable Johnston said.
- NZHERALD STAFF
