ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to a family violence incident that occurred during the afternoon and evening of Thursday 29 February in the Gungahlin and Belconnen regions.    

About 5pm, a woman left a Franklin residence on foot, headed towards the nearby Nullarbor Avenue light rail stop.    

A short time later, a man driving a white Tesla bearing ACT registration YQC69P allegedly arrived at the light rail stop, and requested the woman get in the vehicle.    

Following a short conversation, the woman got into the vehicle, where the man allegedly began to drive away with the passenger door still open.    

Police allege that the woman was subsequently confined in the car whilst being driven around the Gungahlin region, where the man has allegedly assaulted the woman a number of times.    

A short time later, the vehicle has stopped on the side of the road near Haydon Drive, Bruce where both the man and woman got out of the car. However, they both re-entered the car after a few minutes before driving to the Gungahlin region again.    

The woman was eventually able to leave the man’s residence about 7.30pm that evening before seeking refuge at a friend’s house and contacting police.    

About 11.10am on Friday 1 March, police were conducting mobile patrol in Gungahlin when they observed the man driving the Tesla.    

He was subsequently arrested and faced the ACT Magistrates Court yesterday, Saturday 2 March, charged with three offences – forcible confinement, choke, suffocate, or strangle another person, and recklessly inflict actual bodily harm.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or the Tesla vehicle being driven in Gungahlin or Belconnen on Thursday 29 February – police understand the woman may have called out to other road users for help whilst in the car.     

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 7687406. Information can be provided anonymously.