The 29-year-old woman was observed racing through roadworks and disregarding a red light on Thames St around 12:50 pm, as reported by Sgt Tony Woodbridge. The proximity of the incident to Waitaki Girls’ High School added to the gravity of the situation due to the busy road.
Although the woman managed to evade Oamaru police initially, she was eventually apprehended in Palmerston. Sgt Woodbridge mentioned that three members of the public stepped in to aid the lone police officer in response to the driver’s erratic behavior.
The situation escalated to the point where additional police personnel from Dunedin had to be summoned for assistance. Pepper spray was ultimately utilized to bring the woman under control, leading to charges of disqualified driving and resisting arrest.
Following her apprehension, the woman was transported to Dunedin for further legal processing. Sgt Woodbridge expressed hope that she would be granted bail within the next week, contingent on her cooperation.
Gratitude was extended by Sgt Woodbridge to the individuals from the public who intervened to support law enforcement during the incident.
