A driver released on parole took to the wrong side of the road to avoid police road spikes, hit another car and then sped off, only to be discovered a short time later asleep in the driver's seat, with the car's engine still running, police allege.
When put on a breathalyser later, he allegedly recorded 0.150, or three times the permitted limit.
The incident began around 4.50pm on Wednesday when motorists rang in reports to ACT police that a red Kia Stonic was seen driving erratically on Hindmarsh Drive and Easty Street in Phillip.
Police attempted to stop the car but the driver accelerated away, allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road in the middle of an intersection, then overtaking another vehicle before turning into a dead end in Neptune Street.
Police then attempted to deploy road spikes but the driver then drove in the wrong direction up a one-way street, causing oncoming drivers to drive up onto the kerbs to avoid the vehicle.
An alert went out and police searched for the vehicle and about an hour later, a patrol found it found the car stationary in Launceston St, Lyons with the engine running and the driver asleep.
The Kia driver returned a positive result to a roadside screening for alcohol and was transported to City police station, where his blood alcohol level was verified.
The 35-year-old man from Bruce was charged with failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, overtaking a vehicle when unsafe, not providing details after a collision, drink-driving and breaching his parole obligations.
His licence was also suspended for 90 days pending his appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.
