Drink driver caught twice in less than two hours
A 53-year-old Evatt man will face the ACT Magistrates Court after being caught drink driving twice in two hours overnight.
About 10.50pm last night (Thursday, 20 April 2023) police observed a black Toyota Landcruiser exceeding the speed limit and swerving on Owen Dixon Drive.
Police performed a traffic stop and conducted a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result. The man was subsequently taken to Belconnen Police Station, where he returned a breath analysis of 0.213, more than four times the legal limit.
The man was issued an immediate suspension notice suspending his right to drive for 90 days.
About 12.20am this morning (Friday, 21 Apri) officers from Operation TORIC were conducting patrols and noticed the same black Toyota Landcruiser leaving a car park on Owen Dixen Drive, driving erratically and swerving onto the wrong side of the road. A check of police information showed the driver to be the same man who had been spoken to hours earlier.
Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop for police before fleeing at excessive speed.
Police then attended a residence in Evatt, where the man again provided a positive screening for alcohol. He was subsequently transported to City Police Station, where he returned a breath analysis of 0.168, more than three times the legal limit.
The man has been charged with two counts of drive motor vehicle with alcohol in blood, and single counts of failed to stop for police and drive while suspended. He is expected to face court next month.
Police are urging drivers to consider their driving behavior as well as other road users ahead of the ANZAC Day public holiday. Drivers are reminded that if they are going to drink, don’t drive – consider alternate options such as a designated driver, public transport, or rideshare services.
Double demerits are currently in force in the ACT, and will remain until 11.59pm on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. During this period, all speeding, seatbelt, riding without a helmet and mobile phone offences incur double demerits, while all other offences incur an additional demerit point.
Media enquiries
Police media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au