A swift call from a concerned member of the public is being credited with preventing what police say could have had devastating consequences after a drink driver was arrested in Swindon.
Wiltshire Police were contacted shortly before 2pm on Wednesday, January 8, following reports of a man behaving erratically at Lidl on Barnfield Road in Rodbourne. The caller told officers the man appeared unsteady on his feet and had purchased a bottle of vodka before heading into the car park.
The man was then seen getting into a vehicle and starting the engine, prompting immediate concern. Officers were quickly dispatched and located the car in the supermarket car park, where they found the 34-year-old sitting inside.
He was breathalysed at the scene and recorded a reading of 215 – more than six times the legal alcohol limit. Police say it is one of the highest readings encountered by officers in the area.
The man was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drink or drugs, as well as drink driving, and was taken into custody for questioning.
PC Tom Richardson from Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit praised the actions of the caller, saying the outcome could have been far worse without their intervention.
“215 is the highest reading I have personally seen,” he said. “Had this not been reported, the outcome could very easily have been fatal.
“I want to thank the member of the public who recognised the danger and contacted us so quickly. Their actions may well have saved lives.”
Police are reminding residents that concerns about unsafe driving should always be reported, either by calling 101 or, if there is an immediate risk, 999.
