Charges possible after SH1 accident

A 61-year-old man fell asleep and crashed into the barrier at the north end of the Grove Rd

bridge in Blenheim about 6am today.

Constable Michelle Stagg said the man was driving a Toyota Hilux four-wheel-drive south when

it appeared he fell asleep and hit the barrier, extensively damaging his vehicle.

The man was uninjured and both lanes of State Highway 1 were closed for about 20 minutes

while the 4WD was towed away.

Charges may be laid, Miss Stagg said.

In other weekend arrests, a 65-year-old Christchurch teacher has been charged for driving in

Blenheim while forbidden. The woman had been stopped by police about midnight yesterday and

was told she should not be driving because of the combination of medicine she was taking, but

Miss Stagg said she drove anyway. The woman is due to appear in the Blenheim District Court

on April 4.

An unemployed man and a student were arrested for burglary after they were found in a garage

in Springlands about 11pm Saturday. The 21-year-old and the 16-year-old ran away but were

found by police and will appear in court tomorrow. Both were released on bail.

A 27-year-old pregnant, unemployed woman was arrested in Picton on Friday for having Ritalin

without a prescription and a hypodermic needle for use with non-prescription drugs. She was

released on bail and was due to appear in the Blenheim District Court today.

A 22-year-old German tourist was arrested for shoplifting from The Warehouse Blenheim on

Saturday.

A 23-year-old vineyard worker was arrested for assault after an incident on Kinross St,

Blenheim, early yesterday. The man will appear in the Blenheim District Court on March 21.

A 52-year-old beneficiary was arrested after he was found in the New World Blenheim yard

about 11pm yesterday. Miss Stagg said more people were being caught trying to steal goods

from supermarket stock entrances.