OFFICERS assaulted, drunk and drug-affected drivers and others entering dangerous floodwaters were just a handful of incidents highway patrol officers dealt with on the long weekend.
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While a few bad apples misbehaved, the rest of the public should be proud of their efforts, Peel Highway Patrol Inspector Kelly Wixx said.
"We're here to keep the community safe, we're not here as punching bags for the community and it really infuriates me and other police when members of the community think they can take their frustrations out on us," she said.
"I'm really grateful that drivers are obeying the laws when necessary, so let's keep our fingers crossed that by Tuesday we will have a fatality-free weekend."
Oxley police dished out 215 speeding infringements; 13 people were caught drink-driving; 14 returned positive drug tests; and six were pulled over without a seatbelt on.
Another 66 tickets for other traffic offences were handed out by late Monday afternoon.
Bad behaviour didn't stop there, with members of the public calling Triple Zero on Sunday morning concerned about a driver headed toward Tamworth on Manilla Road, Inspector Wixx said.
"Members of the community saw he was driving in an erratic manner, he was all over the road," she said.
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"Luckily over the weekend with the increased presence of highway patrol police and other police, we were able to intercept that driver and he was arrested and taken to hospital for blood and urine testing."
By the evening, police pulled another driver over in Tamworth for a roadside breath test where he allegedly returned a positive result.
"While he was being arrested he's resisted the police and unfortunately been involved in a melee with police where two officers were assaulted," Inspector Wixx said.
"He was arrested and brought back here where he failed to comply with a breath analysis request, he has been charged and put before the court."
The officers involved did not suffer serious injuries.
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Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
