Drunk Driving Cop

Cops Drink - One Dies - One Arrested Trying to Help

Good deed cop gets drunk-driving rap

Published: Friday, 4 August, 2006

WELLINGTON: A New Zealand policeman in a one-horse town, who was enjoying a drink with friends on his day off, was charged with drunk-driving after he rushed with life-saving equipment to a road crash that killed two people, it was reported yesterday.

He was breath-tested at the scene by a fellow policeman after finding that one of the dead was a friend, who had been drinking with him earlier.

Jonathan Erwood, 37, the only police officer in the tiny town of Mokau, on the west coast of the North Island, appeared in court at New Plymouth charged with driving with 106mg of alcohol per 100mg of blood. Under New Zealand law the limit is 80mg.

He made no plea and will be in court again on August 17.

Reports said his arrest had divided the town, with opponents saying there was no excuse for drunk driving and supporters saying he had no choice, but to attend the accident.

Local search and rescue coordinator Barry Black told the Newstalk ZB radio network that Erwood probably saved the life of the only survivor of the crash, and added: "The whole community is supporting him and they are absolutely disgusted about what has happened because he was putting others before himself."

Volunteer fire and ambulance workers in the remote rural area told reporters they enjoyed a drink in their leisure time and would now think twice about going to emergencies when off duty.

The police union said it did not condone drunk driving but Erwood, who has been suspended since his arrest last month, should not lose his job given the circumstances. – DPA

Source: http://www.gulf-times.com

Tags: DUI News |  DUI Related