Traffic officer assaulted by suspected drunk driver in viral video
The driver refused to turn around for the officer to arrest him.
Image: Facebook/Youssef Kanouni
A suspected drunk driver who has gone viral on social media for resisting arrest and racially taunting a traffic officer has been charged with assault.
The driver is seen in the widely-shared video telling the traffic officer not to touch him after the officer instructed him to turn around to make an arrest.
According to officials, the man was stopped after being seen driving recklessly on N1 outbound onto the Durban Road bridge.
After he is pulled over by the traffic officer, the man, who was later charged with driving under the influence, was involved in a verbal and physical altercation with the officer.
As the officer calls for back up, the drunk driver shouts at the officer saying “hy’s f*kken swart man” and “give my keys” before assaulting the officer.
The driver goes on to accuse the officer of assaulting him and calls him a p**s.
Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs reported that one of its officers observed a Honda FRV vehicle that was driving in a reckless manner on the N1 outbound onto the Durban Road bridge.
Jacobs said: “The officer stopped the driver and interviewed him, but the driver became aggressive and failed to comply with the officer's instructions.
“SAPS and Law Enforcement officers arrived to provide assistance. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless and negligent driving and assault.”
The driver was detained at Bellville police station and no one was injured during this incident.
Meanwhile, Safety and Security boss JP Smith said that the city condemns this incident in the strongest terms.
The driver accused the officer of assaulting him.
Image: Facebook/Youssef Kanouni
Smith added: “Attacks on our staff have become far too commonplace, and the perpetrators ought to be ashamed of themselves. Our staff work incredibly hard, and under very trying circumstances, to ensure law and order prevail, and to protect communities.
“For them to be disrespected and targeted in this manner is completely unacceptable.
“We hope that the suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, to help send the message that such actions will not be tolerated.”
The officer took the driver's keys away after he appeared to be driving under the influence.
Image: Facebook/Youssef Kanouni
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