Man charged following reckless driving incident

A 37-year-old man from Queanbeyan, NSW has been charged with several serious driving offences following an incident spanning across Canberra yesterday. 

About 2.20pm yesterday (Sunday, 28 January 2024) police observed a silver Kia Carnival that they allege was travelling on the wrong side of the road heading directly towards their marked police vehicle at speed. 

Police then observed the vehicle almost collide with the rear of a second vehicle as it swerved back to the correct side of the road. 

A pursuit was commenced with the vehicle, which was subsequently terminated due to the manner of driving of the man. 

Shortly after, the vehicle allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Melrose Drive and Eggleston Crescent. The vehicle was then sighted multiple times throughout Waramanga and Weston travelling at high speeds throughout backstreets and on green belts in an attempt to evade police. 

About 2.35pm, police received reports that the vehicle had crashed at the Caswell Drive turnoff onto the Glenloch Interchange and was on fire. 

By the time police arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames threatening to spread to nearby bushland.  

ACT Fire & Rescue promptly attended and extinguished the fire. 

A short time later, the driver was located in nearby bushland and arrested. He has been charged with five offences, including one count of fail to stop motor vehicle for police, and two counts of reckless driving.  

Inquiries are continuing and further charges may be laid. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au