Man to face court on multiple charges following Operation TORIC arrest

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A 43-year-old Queanbeyan man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Thursday, 16 March 2023) charged in relation to multiple incidents following his arrest by Operation TORIC officers yesterday.  

About 6.45am yesterday (Wednesday, 15 March 2023), police allege the man was driving a grey Dodge Journey in excess of the speed limit southbound on the Tuggeranong Parkway near the National Arboretum.  

A short time later, police allege the vehicle erratically cut across two lanes, narrowly missing other vehicles, before colliding with a light pole, spinning, and flipping onto its roof down an embankment.  

The four occupants of the Dodge were trapped inside for several minutes, before exiting the vehicle out of the rear as police arrived.  

The 43-year-old male driver, who had been disqualified from driving for two years in October 2022, was arrested at the scene.  

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who may have dash-cam footage of the collision. Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 7359460.   

The man was also wanted by police in relation to earlier incidents this year.   

About 12am on Saturday (11 March 2023) police observed the man driving a grey BMW (in breach of his licence disqualification) at the Shell Express Service Station on Lathlain Street, Belconnen. When police tried to conduct a traffic stop, the man allegedly fled from police, colliding with a vertical beam in the petrol pump area.  

About 1.25pm on Wednesday, 22 February 2023, police allegedly also observed the man driving a blue Ford Falcon utility in Kaleen, Belconnen and Lyneham.  

The man will face court today on seven charges including three counts of drive while disqualified, two counts of property damage, two counts of reckless driving, and one charge of failing to stop for police.  

ACT Policing’s Operation TORIC continues to identify, locate and charge recidivist offenders who chose to ignore court-imposed penalties.   

Media enquiries 

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

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