Police catch multiple recidivist offenders overnight

Op Toric Banner

Police yesterday (Thursday, 25 August 2022) apprehended multiple repeat offenders in a 6-hour period after three men engaged in separate dangerous driving incidents. 

About 4.30pm yesterday, officers conducting routine patrols observed a Subaru Forester driven by a 27-year-old man who was subject to an outstanding warrant for driving offences.  

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle in a cul-de-sac; however, the driver increased his speed, drove directly at police and mounted the kerb.  

Operation TORIC officers then tracked the vehicle through several suburbs where it was witnessed at speeds in excess of 80km/h in a registered 60km/h zone.  

On Tharwa Drive, Gordon, the driver veered into oncoming traffic and drove directly at an officer who was outside his vehicle.  

A pursuit was terminated due to ongoing concerns for public safety. 

The 27-year-old then drove directly through an intersection, crossing the median strip of the Monaro Highway into oncoming southbound traffic. He then collided with two vehicles and a tree before being apprehended by police. 

The man was driving on a disqualified licence and later tested positive for an illicit substance in his system. 

He has been charged with two counts of failing to stop for police and driving a motor vehicle at police, and single counts of disqualified driving and dangerous driving.  

About 9.40pm yesterday, officers in Kenny witnessed a Hyundai Elantra, registered to a man on a suspended sentence. Officers stopped the vehicle and confirmed the 49-year-old driver subject to a good behaviour order including a condition not to drive a motor vehicle. 

He has been charged with driving while disqualified.  

About 10.25pm, officers conducting routine patrols apprehended a 36-year-old man who was driving unlicensed, at an excessive speed with an illicit substance in his system.  

This man has also been charged with driving while disqualified in addition to drug driving. 

All three men are set to face the ACT Magistrates Court where police will oppose bail.  

To combat these instances of recidivist, poor driving behaviour, ACT Policing launched Operation TORIC (targeting of recidivism in Canberra). 

 

Media enquiries 

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

Quick Exit