Driver swaps seats with passenger in moving car

Driver swaps seats with passenger in moving car being followed by Police

Hamilton Police found it hard to believe their own eyes when attempting to pull over a driver during a routine stop this morning, when the male driving the car swapped seats with his female passenger.

Sergeant Phil Ruddell of the Hamilton Strategic Traffic Unit said officers were astounded by what they say, taking place in busy commuter traffic and with a lot of school children in the vicinity.

"The incident happened this morning on Ohaupo Rd near the Melville Primary School. One of the most concerning elements of what occurred is that in the process of swapping seats the moving car narrowly missed a parked vehicle which young children were walking past on their way to school.

"When the driver transfer was completed the now female driver has pulled over and the male 'passenger' gotten out of the car with the intent of walking away from the scene," said Mr Ruddell.

Stopped by an officer the man initially gave false details before his true identity was established.

"Both the man and the woman were arrested on existing warrants," said Mr Ruddell.

"In addition the man has been charged with reckless driving, driving while disqualified and giving false details while the woman has been charged with aiding and abetting reckless driving, they will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court on yet to be determined date."

ENDS