KEY POINTS:
A 19-year-old Westport youth faces several charges after crashing his stripped-down car into a police car last night, injuring a constable.
Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott, of Westport police, said the 52-year-old constable was treated for a minor laceration to his head and discharged from Buller Hospital after the incident that left the police car extensively damaged.
The youth's unregistered and unwarranted car was being driven around a gravel access road to the Westport beach area when it slid into the patrolling police car about 7.15pm, Mr Scott said.
He said the youth, who was unhurt, was arrested for dangerous driving and faced further serious charges of driving while disqualified and excess breath alcohol.
He would appear in Westport District Court on January 17.
Mr Scott said the front of the police car was smashed in and a wheel pushed back.
"It's just one of those things that didn't need to happen," he told NZPA.
- NZPA
