The 20-year-old's driving and the state of his vehicle prompted numerous calls to police from concerned locals in Palmerston on Wednesday evening, Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman, of Dunedin, said.
After passing through the town he continued on to State Highway 85, and it was not until the turn off to the OceanaGold Macraes Mine site that he was located.
When pulled over and was found to be ‘‘severely intoxicated’’ Snr Sgt Notman said.
He underwent breath testing procedures and recorded a breath alcohol level of 1215mcgs — almost over five times the legal limit of 250mcgs.
The man then quickly became non-compliant and after he was arrested police found a kitchen knife in his bag.
Inquiries revealed the man had also crashed into a parked car Wednesday morning and had fled the scene.
He was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, failing to stop and ascertain injury, possession of offensive weapon, and received two charges for careless driving.
The man was due to appear in Dunedin District Court today.
