A suspected drunk driver who fled the scene of a crash had a nasty shock when he took a taxi home and found police at his address.
Officers were called by a member of the public after a blue Citroen Saxo crashed into a traffic light in Derby Road, Nottingham city centre, in the early hours of Thursday (15 February).
The driver had fled the scene so officers looked up the address registered to the vehicle. They attended the property and whilst there a taxi pulled up.
A 19-year-old man matching the description of the fleeing driver then got out of the taxi.
The teenager was searched and officers found keys to the car that had crashed into the traffic light.
He was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after failing a breathalyser test and taken into custody.
Chief Inspector Jon Foy, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“The traffic light was hit with enough force to bend it at the base causing it to almost fall on to the floor completely.
“Had there been a pedestrian stood waiting at the crossing, there would have been a risk of either serious injury or death.
“It is yet another stark reminder of the potential consequences of drink-driving and I am pleased a suspect was quickly traced and arrested.
“We encourage people to take a taxi home if they are under the influence of alcohol. However, as this incident demonstrates, it should be a decision made in the first instance – not because you’ve had a crash.”
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