A man has been arrested following a pursuit with a stolen front end loader at Nuriootpa this morning, according to SA Police.
Police will allege that just after 1am the man stole an articulated front end loader from the Nuriootpa Saw Mill on Falkenberg Road.
Local police were alerted by members of the public to the stolen loader being driven around the township. Patrols spotted it on the Old Kapunda Road but the man refused to stop and was followed along several back streets before driving into parklands off of Murray Street.
The driver was eventually arrested after the front end loader collided with a large tree. There were no reported injuries.
The driver was also breath tested and allegedly produced a blood alcohol reading of 0.093. He was issued with a six-month instant loss of licence.
A 35-year-old Nuriootpa man was charged with engaging in a police pursuit, illegal use, property damage, being unlawfully on premises, drink driving, driving disqualified and possessing breaking implements.
The man was bailed to appear in the Tanunda Magistrates Court on 17 January.
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