Man to face court for driving at police
A 23-year-old Gowrie man who was on parole and subject to a good behaviour order will face court this morning (Tuesday, 29 August 2023) on a number of driving charges, including driving at police.
About 12.40am on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, police allege the man stole a silver Mercedes SUV from a residence on Dulcie Holland Crescent, Moncrieff.
Police further allege that sometime between 9.30pm Saturday, 26 August and 6.45am Sunday, 27 August, the man stole a black Dodge Ram utility from a residence on McClung Street, Gungahlin.
Across Sunday, 27 August, and the morning of Monday, 28 August, the Dodge Ram was allegedly spotted being driven at high speed in a dangerous and erratic manner.
The vehicle was also allegedly involved in several fail to stop incidents, as well as being deliberately driven at police numerous times.
About 11.15am (Monday, 28 August), a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed against the vehicle on Namatjira Drive, Weston Creek.
A short time later, the vehicle came to a stop near Hindmarsh Drive, and the man was arrested following a short foot pursuit.
He will face a total of 10 charges – two counts of drive motor vehicle at police, two counts of drive motor vehicle without consent, two counts of possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime, and single counts of dangerous driving, aggravated dangerous driving, possession of stolen property, and registration plates calculated to deceive.
Officer in Charge of Operation TORIC, Detective Acting Inspector Elizabeth Swain said police were astounded by the blatant disregard for community safety shown by this man.
“The driving behaviour of this man put himself, police, and other road users at significant risk,” Detective Acting Inspector Swain said.
“Police respond quickly to reports of dangerous driving behaviour on ACT roads as it endangers the lives of innocent members of our community.
“When this is linked to stolen motor vehicles and high-risk, high-harm behaviour, you will become a target of Operation TORIC and we will apprehend you.”
Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the black Dodge Ram being driven dangerously on Sunday, 27 August or Monday 28 August, or who may have dash-cam footage of any incidents involving this vehicle.
The vehicle is believed to have been driven in various locations across the ACT, including Gundaroo Drive, Horse Park Drive, Pialligo Avenue, the Monaro Highway, Lanyon Drive, Kambah Pool Road, and Damala Street (Waramanga).
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 7522453. Information can be provided anonymously.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au