A man has appeared in the Christchurch District Court after crashing a large truck and trailer into a suburban shopping mall last night.
Crews cleaning up the area where a truck crashed into a shop on Barrington Street in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Dan Dalgety
Police say Gareth Edwards drove the truck into Barrington Mall just after 10pm yesterday, then left the scene on foot.
The 44-year-old was arrested a short time later and appeared in court via video link this morning. He had a wound on his forehead.
Gareth Edwards faces four charges including stealing a $600,000 truck and trailer from the freight company, Mainstream Services, 5km away from the mall.
He was also charged with reckless driving and driving while forbidden.
Judge David Saunders said the truck had been tracked by GPS and there was a strong case against Mr Edwards.
He was remanded in custody and would appear again in two weeks.
Mainstream said the linehaul unit was stolen from a secure yard at its Christchurch depot.
A spokesperson said the charged man was not known to the company but could not provide any further comment.
Crews cleaning up the area where a truck crashed into a shop on Barrington Street in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Dan Dalgety