The man had attempted to drive his car into Lake Dunstan, a statement said. Photo / File
A man has been charged with attempted murder after trying to drive a vehicle into a lake - with a passenger still inside.
Police said a 20-year-old German man will appear in the Queenstown Court next week following the incident on Sunday evening.
Authorities were called to an area at the Cromwell Gorge about 8pm.
The man had attempted to drive his vehicle into Lake Dunstan, police said.
"The attempt was unsuccessful, as the front wheel of the car became caught in the crash barrier,'' a statement said.
"The incident happened approximately 10km towards Cromwell at Italian Creek and there was one passenger in the car at the time.''
Police have not said who the passenger was or what their relationship to the man is, only to describe it as being a "domestic incident''.
Another vehicle - described as a black car heading towards Alexandra, from Cromwell - was seen stopping at the spot shortly afterwards.
The 20-year-old has then got into the second car and left with that driver.
Police in the area are now appealing to the driver of the black car to come forward.
Authorities are also asking anyone who may have stopped at the scene or seen the incident to contact police.
The man's vehicle is described as a 1997 white Toyota Liteace van.
It was driving in the Cromwell Gorge around 8pm on Sunday.
• Can you help? Call Cromwell Police: (03) 445 1999 or CrimeStoppers anonymous: 0800 555 111
Motorists are being warned to expect hazardous driving conditions.