Community halts wrong-way driver
A potential collision was thwarted by members of a local community policing forum. Read more
PIONEER PARK – A potential collision was thwarted by members of a local community policing forum on Thursday.
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At about 9.19pm that night, the forum’s control room was tipped off about a suspicious vehicle in Pioneer Park, and response members were dispatched.
First responders noticed the vehicle in question on Drakensberg Drive.
However, before any action could be taken, the driver U-turned his vehicle, triggered his hazards and began driving the wrong way down the street.
Response members frantically gave chase, fearing a collision was imminent.
According to reports, the driver continued on the wrong side of the street, but eventually pulled off after turning onto Impala Drive.
He then exited the vehicle and stood to one side.
Response members were concerned the driver might pose a threat, and had already contacted summoned authorities for assistance.
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However, they soon discovered he might be under the influence.
“The driver asked for directions and help to get somewhere; he leaned against the vehicle. He was not threatening, but was in no condition to drive,” a forum member explained.
The driver said he was en route to a girlfriend’s house, but was uncertain if he sought an address in Arbor Park or Madadeni.
His cellphone had also ceased functioning, and could not make calls.
Although response members were not permitted to directly intervene, they requested the driver wait for designated officials to reach the scene.
He further denied permission for his vehicle to be moved away from the intersection.
Fearing another vehicle turning the corner might not have time to avoid the vehicle, which stood in the right-hand lane, members engaged their green emergency lights on the instructions of its founder.
“The problem was, we had no other way to warn traffic except for our hazards. This is why I am so adamant about these green lights. All I want is visibility for our members.”
Response members finally stood down when officials arrived at the scene, more than an hour later.
