Northern Territory Police are investigating a series of stolen motor vehicle incidents that occurred across Katherine overnight, during which offenders allegedly drove dangerously and attempted to ram police vehicles.
During the evening, police received reports that two vehicles had been stolen in Katherine: an Isuzu utility from near the Katherine Hot Springs, followed by a taupe Toyota Landcruiser from a commercial car business on the north side. It is believed both thefts were committed by the same unknown group of youths.
One of the stolen vehicles is believed to have contained an unsecured Ruger .300 rifle and ammunition at the time it was stolen.
Police received multiple reports that the stolen vehicles were being driven dangerously and were actively targeting other road users.
Police successfully deployed tyre deflation devices on the Isuzu utility, and the occupants fled the scene on foot.
The stolen Landcruiser was sighted on several occasions by police and was allegedly used to target and attempt to ram police vehicles, while its occupants also threw objects at police. Due to the dangerous manner of driving, police withdrew and developed a coordinated plan to safely stop the vehicle.
Tyre deflation devices were subsequently deployed at several locations around Katherine, and the Landcruiser was successfully spiked near the Katherine Bridge. Police monitored the vehicle to Acacia Drive, where it was abandoned.
Approximately 10 youth offenders fled from the vehicle into nearby bushland. Despite extensive patrols, no arrests have been made at this stage.
The two spiked vehicles have been recovered and seized for forensic examination.
The firearm and ammunition remain outstanding, and police are urging anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to contact police immediately. Anyone in the Katherine region who may have dashcam footage or other footage of the vehicles being driven is urged to contact police.
Superintendent Glenn Leafe said police are continuing to investigate this morning.
“The dangerous manner in which these vehicles were allegedly driven placed members of the public and police at significant risk, and this behaviour is unacceptable.
“Our priority remains locating the outstanding firearm and identifying those responsible for this offending.”
Investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2600066917. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
