The man accused of trying to run down a father out walking with his family and their puppy during an alleged road rage incident has been remanded to a psychiatric hospital where his alleged victim works.
On Monday night the victim was walking with his wife and young children on Downs Rd, West Eyreton, about 20 minutes out of Christchurch. A car sped past and the man signalled to the driver to slow down.
Police said the driver "took umbrage" at the victim signalling him and allegedly made repeated attempts to knock him down with his vehicle.
Police said the victim took evasive action, clambering over a barbed wire fence at one stage to get away and cutting his hands. He was allegedly run over at least once as his wife and children watched in horror. The family's 10-month-old puppy was also hit and had to be euthanised.
The victim's wife told the Herald they were not ready to speak about their ordeal yet.
"It was absolutely terrifying. It's still a shock. The kids are really devastated about their dog. My oldest is on school camp so doesn't know yet."
It's understood it was quick thinking by the victim's wife that led police to the 51-year-old alleged offender. She was able to give police crucial vehicle details including a partial number plate.
The 51-year-old appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday charged with injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wilful ill treatment of an animal.
He was remanded in custody without plea until April 9 at Hillmorton Hospital after a report was requested under the Criminal Procedures (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act.
The victim works at the hospital, which was not considered in court. The New Zealand Herald has chosen not to name the victim and his family or publish any details about his occupation.
Detective Sergeant Rex Barnett confirmed that the victim had been made aware of the accused's remand situation. "He has been told. He is off on leave for a few weeks," he said.
"We are all aware of it and it is being managed. [The victim] has no issue with it."
Mr Barnett said the ward the accused was remanded to was the only place in the area where he could undergo the required mental health assessment.
After the incident, the victim was taken to Christchurch Hospital and treated for cuts to his hands, cuts and bruises on his head and injuries to his shoulder and ankle.
He has since been released and is recovering at home. His wife and children escaped unscathed.
"This was an extremely serious incident; it's lucky the man was not more seriously injured and his family escaped injury," Mr Barnett said.
"It's particularly upsetting for the family's two children to have witnessed the incident and ultimately lost their new family pet."
The spot where the incident happened was near the exit from the Eyre River, an area popular with off-road enthusiasts. Locals say many people also use the area to do "burn-outs".
A woman who lives nearby and knows the victim and his family said the incident had shocked her.
She said the community was reeling and had rallied to support the victim and his family.
By Anna Leask of the New Zealand Herald
