Police are considering charging a man with wasting police time after he sparked a major search and rescue operation by abandoning his crashed vehicle.
A member of the public told police he noticed skid marks and vegetation damage on the roadside in Opotiki, 60km southeast of Whakatane, on Wednesday morning, Senior Sergeant Richard Miller said.
A Toyota Lite Ace van was later found to have left the road and come to rest in the Waiaua River bed, 80 to 100 metres below, he said.
Police mobilised emergency services including the Fire Service, a helicopter, a high-angle rope team and search and rescue personnel after they discovered the van empty but with blood on its roof.
Mr Miller said police believed they were looking for an injured driver and used the helicopter to search the area until a resident told them he had seen the skid marks the day before - Tuesday.
Police located the driver at home "a little bit worse for wear".
He had not sought medical attention for his injuries.
"He is particularly lucky to be alive," Mr Miller said.
He said police were considering charging the man over the time he wasted by not advising them of the accident.
- NZPA
Charges possible for man who left crashed car
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
