A man has been charged with serious driving-related offences following a police operation in Sydney’s west overnight.
About 9pm yesterday (Sunday 3 October 2021), officers attached to Mount Druitt Police Area Command were called to Woodstock Avenue, near the corner of Popondetta Road, Dharruk, following reports a large group of people had gathered in the street.
Police arrived a short time later and found about 400 people at the location and heavy traffic in the area.
Local police were assisted by officers attached to Blacktown, Riverstone, Parramatta, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hornsby and North Shore Police Area Commands, the Public Order and Riot Squad, North West Metropolitan Operational Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol and the Dog Unit during the operation.
Police began to disperse the crowds and established local traffic diversions, before they observed a blue Ford Falcon doing a burnout on nearby Schiller Place at Emerton.
When police attempted to stop the Ford, the driver accelerated in the crowded street, causing a number of officers to take evasion action to avoid being struck.
No police officers were injured during the incident.
With the assistance of PolAir, the Ford was located a short time later on Luxford Road at Whalan.
The P-plate driver and sole occupant – a 22-year-old Mt Druitt man – was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station.
He was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19, operate vehicle so driving wheel/s undergo loss of traction, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and not comply P2 licence condition not display P plates.
The Mt Druitt man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
Inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
