A police officer was pinned to a pole hurting his shoulder as police stopped an out-of-control car. Photo / Kelly Makiha
A police officer was pinned to a pole hurting his shoulder as police stopped an out-of-control car. Photo / Kelly Makiha
The actions of police officers who pushed an out-of-control car off the road have been praised as potentially life-saving by their boss.
As the dramatic incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at the Ngongotahā roundabout, Constable Dai Edwards was struck by a vehicle and pinned to a pole, injuring his shoulder.
About 1.45pm members of the public alerted police to a male driver weaving across lanes, banging into posts and driving on to islands on Old Taupo Road.
A police officer was pinned to a pole hurting his shoulder as police stopped an out-of-control car. Photo / Kelly Makiha
Rotorua police area commander Inspector Phil Taikato said police responded immediately and noticed the vehicle was driving erratically.
Taikato said Edwards pulled up next to the driver as he travelled north out of Rotorua to further assess the situation, immediately noticing that the driver was not in a right frame of mind. It was later discovered he was suffering from a medical event.
"Constable Edwards in his patrol car along with another patrol cars kept behind the vehicle until there was opportunity to coax it off the road in order to prevent injury or loss of life."
Taikato said the vehicle finally came to a halt just before the Ngongotahā roundabout, hitting a pole in the process.
While the vehicle was stopped, Edwards rushed to the driver's side in an attempt to immobilise the vehicle. But Taikato said the driver drove forward again, striking Edwards and pinning him to a pole.
"Other staff quickly came to the aid managing to get the driver from the vehicle and Constable Edwards to safety where they were both treated."
Taikato said the man was an elderly gentleman having a medical event and both he and Edwards were taken by ambulance to Rotorua Hospital.
He said Edwards received an injured shoulder and would be off work while he recovered.
No charges were laid against the driver.
A police officer was pinned to a pole hurting his shoulder as police stopped an out-of-control car. Photo / Kelly Makiha
"Constable Edwards' actions with those of his colleagues demonstrate the concern and the willingness of our staff to put themselves in harm's way for the safety of the community they serve," Taikato said.
"Whilst I do not encourage my staff to put their safety or life at risk, I do applaud and understand the mindset behind this. I have personally thanked him for his actions."
