An 18-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court this afternoon for allegedly driving a stolen car, while disqualified, at an ACT police vehicle in Turner yesterday, Tuesday 19 October.
The man, who was on bail, will face 14 charges including driving dangerously, driving at a police vehicle, damaging a police vehicle, driving a motor vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, possessing a drug of dependence and other traffic offences including driving through a red light.
About 6pm yesterday, police were conducting a patrol on Forbes Street in Turner when they identified a stolen vehicle. It is alleged the man was driving a Mercedes CLA43 which had been reported stolen on Monday 18 October.
Police stationed vehicles at each end of the street and will allege the man drove up onto the footpath, narrowly missing several parked cars and police officers standing nearby.
It’s further alleged the man then drove back onto the road at high speed at the intersection of Forbes Street and Condamine Street, narrowly missing a police vehicle.
Police deployed tyre deflation devices before the man allegedly accelerated at high speed and drove at the police vehicle.
The man was arrested and during a search of the vehicle, officers located a clip seal bag suspected to contain Methylamphetamine. The substance has been sent to the ACT Government Analytical Laboratory for assessment.
One police officer was transported to Calvary Hospital by the ACT Ambulance Service for assessment of minor injuries. The man was also taken to hospital for assessment.
ACT Policing’s Major Collision Team attended the scene and will investigate the incident. ACT Fire & Rescue also responded to the collision.
Acting Commander Corey Heldon said ACT Policing responded quickly to ensure the safety of the community.
“While the circumstances of the collision will be fully investigated by the Major Collision Team, this type of behaviour is concerning,” acting Commander Heldon said.
“The alleged erratic and dangerous driving given the time of day, and with COVID-19 restrictions recently eased, meant there was a serious risk to a number of police officers and members of the public in the area.”
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6937723. Information can be provided anonymously.
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