Police filmed the alleged driver behind a dangerous car chase jumping into Lake Burley Griffin on 8 April 2025. Photo: Screenshot.
Police footage released by the ACT Magistrates Court shows a lengthy and dangerous car chase through Canberra that eventually ended when the alleged driver flung himself into Lake Burley Griffin.
The dashcam footage, recorded by a police vehicle on 8 April 2025, shows the ute, which was towing another vehicle, being driven on the wrong side of the road against traffic, weaving through other vehicles and driving onto a pedestrian and cycling path along the lake.
A man then gets out of the car and jumps into the lake as police officers arrive.
The alleged driver behind the car chase, 39-year-old John Warren Westaway, was arrested after the incident and taken into custody.
He was handed numerous charges, including failing to stop for police, using an offensive weapon to hinder his arrest, driving dangerously, drug driving and unlicenced driving.
The dashcam footage was played to the Magistrates Court when he applied for bail last week in an attempt to be released from custody.
The court heard there were lengthy periods when Westaway allegedly drove on the wrong side of the road towards oncoming vehicles, as well as on bike and pedestrian paths, while cyclists and pedestrians were using these paths.
He was ultimately unsuccessful in his bail application and he remains in custody.
The matter returns to court on 24 November.
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