Driver arrested after backpacker dragged 100m

A man has been arrested after a Chilean backpacker was dragged 100 metres behind a car in Nelson on Tuesday.

The tourist accepted a lift from two men in the city centre. He asked to get out, then when he tried to get his backpack from the boot the car's driver took off, dragging him along the road.

Nelson Sergeant Blair Hall says a 37-year-old Nelson man has been arrested and charged with assault with reckless disregard for others. He has already appeared in court.

Mr Hall says police are confident a second arrest will be made within days. He says help from the public led to the identification of the vehicle involved.

- NEWSTALK ZB