Two 13- and two 14-year-old boys have been arrested by ACT Policing after stealing petrol at knife point, driving at high speeds and engaging in a police pursuit before crashing into a police vehicle.
About 1.30pm yesterday 14 July, ACT Policing received reports of a knifepoint theft of petrol by teens in a Toyota Hilux at a Kippax 7/11 petrol station.
Soon after midnight this morning 15 July, police observed the same vehicle travelling at speed in Kaleen. A short time later it was observed travelling at approximately 150km/h along Ginninderra Drive.
Police engaged in a short pursuit but had to terminate due to the nature of the reckless driving and the threat posed to the community.
The vehicle was located soon after travelling on Majura Avenue, Dickson where police were able to successfully deploy stop-sticks. As the vehicle slowed, the driver lost control, causing it to cross a median strip and collide head on with a stationary police vehicle.
This is the second time this week a police vehicle has been severely damaged due to a collision with a vehicle.
One officer was in the police vehicle and they suffered minor injuries not requiring hospital treatment.
Three of boys were transported to hospital for assessment as they were not wearing seatbelts when the collision occurred.
Police will allege that three of the four boys were already on bail for other criminal offences.
To assist with the investigation into this matter, ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to both the incident at 7/11 Kippax and the subsequent driving over the next 12 hours.
Anyone who witnessed the Hilux at the petrol station on Wednesday afternoon or who has dash-cam footage of the Hilux driving after this incident, should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au.
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