Wanniassa teen's wild ride through the north

A 19-year-old Wanniassa man will face court this morning following a pursuit in Canberra’s north earlier today (Wednesday, 1 February).

Around 3.10am, a Gungahlin patrol attempted a traffic stop on a white Mazda sedan on Gundaroo Drive in Palmerston. The Mazda failed to stop, and a pursuit commenced.

The pursuit travelled through several Canberra suburbs, including Palmerston, Giralang and Kaleen, and reached a maximum speed of 130km/h. During the pursuit, the Mazda drove through a red light, and on footpaths. Police lost sight of the vehicle several times, but other patrols were able to re-engage the pursuit.

A short time later the Mazda was seen by police turning into an apartment complex in Lyneham where it crashed into a carport. The driver and his passenger exited the vehicle and ran from police.

The driver was arrested by police on Northbourne Avenue, and was taken to City Police Station, where he returned an Alcohol Content reading of 0.069. As a learner driver, he is subject to a 0.00 alcohol limit.

Police will allege the two men were involved in an aggravated burglary in Phillip earlier today. Police enquiries are ongoing as the identity of the second man involved.

The 19-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court this morning, charged with numerous traffic and property offences, including drink-driving, driving a stolen motor vehicle, dangerous driving and aggravated burglary. Bail will be opposed by police.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]

Free Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? We package the most-read Canberra stories and send them to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.