POLICE allege a 22-year-old man was driving at more than five times the legal limit when he crashed into a stationary police car and hurled abuse at officers and civilians at Tamworth Police Station this afternoon.
Senior officers allege the attack on the fully-marked Holden Rodeo was deliberate.
They say the man left his house in Baird Cr, South Tamworth, about 1.20pm and drove intoxicated for almost 5km to the police station where he crashed his white hatchback into the police vehicle parked on Fitzroy St.
Several officers rushed outside to investigate while passers-by gathered outside Tamworth Court House watched on.
Police allege the man “displayed obvious signs of intoxication” and began to hurl abuse at officers and bystanders.
He was uninjured, arrested and taken into the police station where he allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of .273 after a breath analysis.
The man was charged with high-range drink driving and his licence was suspended.
Senior police would not rule out laying further charges and said bail would be determined when the man was at an appropriate level of sobriety.
Tamworth duty officer, acting Inspector Peter McMenamin, today described the incident as “unacceptable in every way, shape or form”.
He said police were still to establish a motive for the incident.
“There were obviously underlying issues which will be investigated, but we haven’t been able to identify them due to the level of intoxication of the accused, “Acting Inspector McMenamin said.
“We will be exploring this further when police are able to speak further with the gentlemen, but until that time or when further information comes to light, we’re unable to determine any reasons behind this unacceptable behaviour.
“Driving a motor vehicle at that level of intoxication is extremely dangerous to all members of the public, other road users and pedestrians as well as himself.
“It was extremely dangerous and put the entire Tamworth community at risk.”
