Youth arrested four times in seven weeks
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested for the fourth time in seven weeks following an incident yesterday in Belconnen.
Yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 16 February 2023) police received a report of a near miss due to dangerous driving involving a Skoda Octavia. The person making the report was able to provide a description of the vehicle and an image of the driver.
Investigators from Operation TORIC confirmed that the Skoda was stolen early yesterday morning and the driver was a known recidivist offender.
About 6.00pm, the Skoda was located at a residence in MacGregor and three teens were observed walking away from the vehicle. The teens then boarded a Transport Canberra bus. The bus was subsequently stopped by police and the three teens were arrested.
All three were in breach of existing bail conditions ordered by the court.
One 15-year-old was again charged with driving a motor vehicle without consent and being an unlicenced driver. He was previously involved in a collision in late December 2022 resulting in injuries to an innocent driver and was charged with seven offences following that incident.
Earlier this month he was allegedly involved in a significant pursuit and following his arrest for that incident, was charged with 13 offences.
Earlier this week he was also allegedly found to be in breach of bail conditions and he again received bail.
In the past seven weeks, the 15-year-old been arrested on four occasions, is currently facing court for a total of 24 offences and he has allegedly breached his bail on four occasions.
Operation TORIC will continue to relentlessly target those that are ignoring court ordered restrictions and putting Canberra drivers at risk.
Anyone who witnessed (or who has dash-cam footage of) dangerous driving by the grey Skoda Octavia wagon yesterday is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au