Man charged after car-jacking and collision
A 38-year-old man from Annandale, NSW will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday, 4 August 2023) in relation to the forcible theft of an Audi SUV yesterday.
About 12.50pm Thursday, 3 August 2023, police allege the man approached a 76-year-old woman next to her vehicle in a public car park off Garryowen Drive, Acton, demanding she hand over the keys. Despite the woman’s efforts, the man allegedly forcibly took the keys from her jacket and left the carpark at speed.
Police observed the man driving the vehicle erratically and at high speed westbound on Hindmarsh Drive near Yamba Drive about 1.15pm. Around this time, the man was also observed driving on the wrong side of the road, through red lights and colliding with two slowing vehicles without stopping.
The vehicle then proceeded into Tuggeranong, travelling through multiple intersections contrary to the lights and failing to give way. The stolen Audi then travelled north on the Tuggeranong Parkway and Gungahlin Drive.
About 1.45pm, the vehicle proceeded between two lanes of slowing traffic and collided with the rear of a stationary delivery van at the intersection of Gungahlin Drive and Gundaroo Drive. The man was subsequently arrested.
He has been charged with robbery, assault, ride/drive in a stolen motor vehicle, dangerous driving, two counts of fail to exchange details following a collision and driving under the influence of a drug.
He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today where bail will be opposed.
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