Police pursue man twice after alleged Covid roadblock breaches
A MAN who allegedly failed to stop at multiple police road blocks crashed his white ute south of Katherine on Saturday about midday.
NT Police say the 46-year-old man was getting medical treatment in Katherine Hospital after receiving minor injuries from the crash.
Superintendent Peter Dash said several public health breaches and traffic offences had been identified during the incident.
“Which is also being treated as a custody incident,” he said.
“We are investigating the circumstances, however we can say that Northern Territory Police will continue to enforce the chief health officer’s directions.”
Shortly before 1am on Saturday, the man failed to stop at the Stuart Highway checkpoint south of Darwin. Police started a pursuit, which was terminated soon afterwards.
The white ute was again sighted about an hour later near Acacia
Hills. Late on Saturday morning the vehicle reappeared north of the Katherine checkpoint, allegedly driving dangerously on the wrong side of the road.
The man failed to stop at the checkpoint and police commenced a second pursuit, which was terminated north of the township.
Six police vehicles followed the 4WD through Katherine before a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed.
Police reports said the driver crashed into light vegetation at the checkpoint south of the town.
Failing to abide by the chief health officer’s directions is a $5024 fine for an individual.
Police have asked for any witnesses that may have seen or have dashcam footage of a single cab white utility driving dangerously to call 131 444.
You can make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Quote reference number 9840379.