Lifesavers’ ute stolen, rams cars in pursuit

A CAR chase from Nightcliff to Palmerston which saw two police vehicles rammed by a stolen vehicle ended when a 19-year-old man was taken into police custody yesterday morning.

The pursuit began when the man allegedly stole the Surf Life Saving NT club’s vehicle from the Aralia St headquarters just before 4am yesterday. Police said they received a call about the theft shortly after.

“The complainant heard a loud smash, which was the vehicle being driven through the gate,” said Duty Supt Rob Farmer.

Police spotted the car nearby and a pursuit began.

The driver used the stolen Mitsubishi Triton to ram a police car as he headed towards McMillans Rd.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle by deploying a tyre deflation device on McMillans Rd but the car avoided it and kept going, police said.

“He wasn’t too happy to stop,” Duty Supt Farmer said.

The driver of the stolen car eventually sideswiped a police van in Palmerston during the pursuit. A total figure for damages was not known yesterday.

The Surf Life Saving club’s car was eventually abandoned on Calandrina Court in Moulden.

A 19-year-old man was arrested nearby but a passenger was still at large last night.

The man was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for precautionary measures and later released into police custody. Police said he was known to them and had recently been flagged for having his parole conditions revoked.

No charges were laid by yesterday afternoon but police said the investigation was continuing and being led by task force Trident.

Police were last night still looking for the passenger of the stolen vehicle. No serious injuries during the collisions and pursuit were reported.