WILL IT EVER END

POLICE DESPAIR AS YOUTHS GO ON RAMPAGE

JUST 16 days after four teens died in a tragic crash in a stolen car, four boys have been charged after they allegedly stole a car and assaulted two people. And the incident has police asking when Townsville’s youth will heed the warning that this “mystifying” behaviour is dangerous and potentially deadly.

JUST weeks after four teens died in a tragic crash, another four youths have been arrested and charged after they were allegedly involved in a hit-andrun, and two assaults.

It is an act that has “mystified” police, with Senior Sergeant District Duty Officer Scot Warrick ( pictured) saying the boys, who are known to police, were driving the allegedly stolen vehicle dangerously and erratically.

“Here we are with the exact same scenario, a stolen vehicle, juveniles involved,” Sen-sgt Warrick said.

“I don’t know what we need to do to get the message through. A split second can change everyone’s lives.”

The white Kia sedan was found in Currajong about 10am yesterday after it was allegedly stolen on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Police received reports the vehicle was involved in one, or possibly two, alleged hit-andruns about 6am m yesterday.

Four hours s later police re- ceived more calls, s, and the bangedup car was found near the corner of Warrina St and d Bayswater Rd. d. When police arrived at the scene the youths, aged between 12 and 16, were seen in a nearby park.

“Those offenders have run from the police and a foot ch chase has comm menced, police have managed m to locate all al four of those people pl and (they were) taken ta into custody,” Sen-sgt S Warrick said. sa

“A short time after afte those offenders were arrested, information came to light that a 47-yearold man had been assaulted by a group of juveniles. “Information suggests that while running through multiple yards, a 47-yead-old man has confronted the group who tried to enter his yard, a verbal exchange occurred, threats were made.

“During that altercation, the man has been struck over the head with a pair of multigrips. He’s sustained quite a serious wound to his head, non-life threatening, but he did require treatment at the hospital.”

Sen-sgt Warrick said during the arrest, one of the four teens allegedly spat on an officer.

“We’re proceeding with charges in relation to that as well,” he said.

The four youths have been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, obstructing and assaulting police.

Sen-sgt Warrick said it was understood the boys were allegedly involved in a fuel driveoff as well.

The Gulliver man who was assaulted has made an official complaint and is assisting police.

More charges are pending.