A police officer in New Caledonia is to be tried in January on a charge of involuntary homicide for causing a fatal road accident.
Gendarmerie vehicle in New Caledonia Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel
Last Sunday, the off-duty officer allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and drifted across the road into an oncoming car, killing the driver who was said to be in his early 20s.
At the time of the crash in Boulouparis, the officer was under the influence of alcohol.
Media reports said he was taken into custody for questioning but then transferred to a hospital to treat his injuries before the formal interrogation could be continued.
He has been suspended from duty pending his trial.
