A 20-year-old unaccompanied learner driver of a stolen vehicle involved in a three-car collision yesterday is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today, Saturday 4 April, on driving and assault charges.
About 8.30am yesterday, Friday 3 April, police were near the intersection of Barton Highway and Victoria Street in Hall when they observed a vehicle that had been involved in a NSW Police Force matter earlier in the day.
The stolen car had no right hand wheel and sparks emitting from the rear of the vehicle. Police estimate the car was travelling about 140km/h in a 100km/h zone.
Police followed the car and observed it swerving in and out of traffic. The car came to a stop behind several vehicles at a red light at the intersection of the Barton Highway and Clarrie Hermes Drive.
The man drove the car around a police vehicle that was attempting to block the intersection.
Police pursued the car at a distance along the Barton Highway and it is estimated the car reached speeds of 178km/h in the 80km/h zone. The car was weaving dangerously through traffic in an attempt to flee police.
The car was followed by police at a distance and continued on to William Slim Drive where it crossed on to the incorrect side of the road to overtake several vehicles.
The car continued towards Ginninderra Drive, crossing between the correct side and the incorrect side of the road a number of times.
As the car neared the intersection with Ginninderra Drive it was on the incorrect side of William Slim Drive. The car is alleged to have travelled through a red light at the intersection of William Slim and Ginninderra Drive and collided with two vehicles.
The driver of the stolen vehicle was arrested. He allegedly coughed on a police officer and said he’d returned from China.
ACT Ambulance Service treated those involved in the collision and the driver and passenger of one of the cars were transported to hospital.
The 20-year-old will be charged with fail to stop motor vehicle for police, assault, dangerous driving, drive a stolen motor vehicle and for being an unaccompanied learner driver.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have dash-cam footage from the area at the time can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously.
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