‘Leave policing to cops’

POLICE have issued a stern warning to the community to stop taking criminal matters into their own hands after a high-speed chase ended with a stolen car hitting a power pole.

The incident cut electricity to the area of Currajong on Saturday night, and ended with a man charged for allegedly pursuing the stolen vehicle until it crashed.

A 48-year-old Pimlico man allegedly pursued the stolen Hyundai Santa Fe towards Palmerston Street in Currajong at “high speed” on the wrong side of the road.

The stolen car then lost control and crashed into a power pole while the man allegedly mounted the kerb in his own vehicle in an attempt to box in the occupants.

“He has crossed over to the incorrect side of the road and through stop signs and the light, the stolen Hyundai has failed to take a corner and has crashed into a power pole, which damaged the electricity network,” Acting District Superintendent Inspector Sean Dugger said of what is alleged to have occurred.

“Of concern is that the male person has (we allege) chased the three occupants of the stolen vehicle when they were on foot with his vehicle. Police have been contacted and have located a 13-year-old Bungalow boy hiding underneath the house. Police have responded in quick time with our special services including dog squads.”

The 48-year-old Pimlico man was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of a weapon and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Insp Dugger said a tyre lever was found in the unregistered vehicle, alleged to have been for use as a weapon.

The man is due to appear in Townsville Magistrate Court on December 2.

Insp Dugger said the behaviour was not condoned and vigilantes would be treated the same as anyone else.

“Leave the policing to the police,” he said. “It will be alleged the man was in the area, and was actively looking for stolen vehicles, the stolen vehicle itself was acting suspiciously and had its lights off.

“It doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to realise that three young offenders crashing into a power pole could have been a tragedy, and not just for the occupants of the stolen vehicle, but also for other members of the public.”

The 13-year-old Bungalow boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass and possession of a dangerous drug, while the other two occupants remain at large.

“Bail has been opposed and he is remaining in custody,” he said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.