Chase crash remains a mystery

A 27-year-old driver killed in a high-speed crash while trying to evade police was a "good soldier" who took pride in wearing shiny boots and an ironed shirt, but why he fled from police remains a mystery.

Israel Maki Tane Porter, of Gordonton, was killed on March 27 this year when his south-bound Mazda 323 crashed into a van carrying six people near the intersection of Gordonton and Puketaha Rds, north of Hamilton.

Mr Porter died at the scene while none of the van's occupants was seriously injured.

Witnesses yesterday told a Hamilton Coroner's Court Mr Porter was driving at speeds of about 120-160kmh along Gordonton Rd on the wrong side of the road when he crashed into the van at about 4pm.

Mr Porter had only moments earlier been chased by police when Constable Russell Ratima made the decision to abandon the pursuit.

Mr Ratima yesterday said he abandoned the chase in the interest of public safety after assessing Mr Porter's driving.

He was about to radio his intent to abandon the chase when he discovered Mr Porter's car had crashed into a north-bound van.

Coroner Gordon Matenga said Mr Porter's decision to flee police did not fit with his background.

Mr Porter had received an honourable discharge from the army and was variously described as a "good soldier", a happy person, and a good driver.

Mr Matenga said Mr Porter's actions remained a puzzle, but inferred he might have fled from police because he knew he had been drinking.

An autopsy revealed Mr Porter had a blood alcohol level of 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

The van driver, Skill Kim, also gave evidence yesterday, saying he believed the police chase caused Mr Porter to crash.

Mr Kim was also unhappy at having to attend the coroner's inquest into Mr Porter's death, saying he was not properly compensated for losing a day's earnings as a salesman.

However, Mr Matenga said he did not accept Mr Kim's suggestion that Mr Ratima's pursuit had caused the crash.

Mr Matenga said Mr Ratima's actions were professional, measured and appropriate.

Mr Matenga said it was a "fine balancing act" when police decide to stop pursuing an evading driver.

- © Fairfax NZ News