Suspected drink-driver flees police into forest

A 35-year-old man suspected of drink-driving fled into a forest in Maria Neustift after telling police, “OK, then goodbye,” ORF reported. Police said he had been stopped while driving a company vehicle.

Officers pulled him over for a traffic and vehicle check on October 20 and found that he had not held a driving licence for several years. His symptoms also raised suspicions that he was under the influence of alcohol.

An initial, uncalibrated breath test supported the suspicion. Before officers could administer a calibrated test, the man said, “OK, then goodbye,” and ran into a nearby forest. He has not been seen since.

The vehicle keys were handed to the company owner that day. The man will be reported to the district authority for driving without a licence, refusing a breath test and other offences.