An alleged drunk driver led officers on a nearly 20-minute chase on foot after jumping down a cliff and on to a Dunedin beach, police say. Once arrested, the man recorded a breath alcohol level of 691mcg — the legal limit for adults is 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. It was lucky the man was subdued as it "could have been a lot worse", Snr Sgt Dinnissen said. The man was facing charges of careless driving, excess breath alcohol third or subsequent, driving while suspended, resisting police and escaping custody. Complaints had been made about the 21-year-old driver’s manner of driving, and he recorded a breath alcohol level of more than 1000mcg, Snr Sgt Dinnissen said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2026 23:30 UTC