A driver was caught five times over the legal alcohol limit with his 10-month-old son in the car.

A motorist alerted police about a car driving erratically along State Highway 1 near Karapiro.

Waikato District Command Centre Senior Sergeant Robbie Hermann said the car was seen at 10.45am yesterday morning crossing the centre line and having near-misses with other vehicles.

The man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and will appear in court later this month. Police also referred the matter to Child Youth and Family.

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Last night, at 6.25pm, members of the public chased and held down a learner driver who crashed into a car and then fled the scene, leaving his passengers in the car.

The 17-year-old was driving along Peachgrove Rd in Hamilton East when the vehicle he was driving crossed the centre line and smashed into another car.

The drunk driver then jumped out of the car and ran from the scene, leaving his passengers behind. Mr Hermann said members of the public spotted what happened and chased the teen, holding him down until police arrived.

He was charged with driving in a dangerous manner and will appear in court this week.

Mr Hermann praised the excellent work by the public in assisting police.

"We always give advice that people have to exercise caution before giving chase themselves as we don't know if those people are going to have any weapons on them or how they are going to react. But we appreciate members of the public's assistance."