Cliff Curtis due in court: Actor allegedly under the influence in Tesla v taxi crash

Kiwi Hollywood star Cliff Curtis was allegedly driving under the influence during a crash between his Tesla and a parked taxi on Auckland’s waterfront. 

Police confirmed this morning a 58-year-old man has been summonsed to appear in Auckland District Court on October 15 for reckless driving and driving with excess blood alcohol. 

Curtis confirmed last week he was incolved in the crash about 10.30pm on September 23 at the intersection of Jellicoe and Halsey Sts. 

Firefighters arrived at the crash to find a taxi driver trapped inside a Prius. Crews cut him out of the car and provided life support until St John arrived. 

Cliff Curtis was involved in a serious crash in downtown Auckland. Photos / Hayden Woodward, NZME 

Hato Hone St John said two people – one in a serious condition and one moderate – were taken to Auckland City Hospital. 

A third person also suffered minor injuries. 

Cliff Curtis was allegedly involved in a crash between a Tesla and a taxi on Halsey St in downtown Auckland. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

Emergency services responded to a serious crash at the intersection of Jellicoe and Halsey Sts in downtown Auckland. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

The crash happened at the intersection of Jellicoe St and Halsey St in the Viaduct. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

Curtis issued a statement last week confirming he was hospitalised with internal injuries after the crash. 

“I am deeply saddened by this incident. My thoughts are with those who were hurt, and their families at this time,” he said. 

Curtis said that he assisted the other injured parties with first aid until emergency services arrived. 

The statement said he was “collaborating fully with relevant authorities”. No further comment would be made “out of respect for the process”. 

No one was home when NZME visited Curtis’ Rotorua home after the crash. 

Firefighters used hydraulic cutting gear to cut open the Prius and free the driver. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

A view of damage to the rear of the Toyota Prius taxi. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

Curtis’ New Zealand agent Gabriella Larkin-Bruce did not respond to multiple approaches by the Herald. 

Curtis is one of New Zealand’s most successful movie stars, having appeared in blockbuster films like the Avatar and Fast & Furious franchises, Once Were Warriors, Whale Rider and Live Free or Die Hard. 

Curtis was photographed alongside UFC star Israel Adesanya at the Breakers’ season-opening win over Illawara at Spark Arena three days before the crash.