In the early hours of today, Northern Territory Police responded to a report of an incident involving multiple stolen motor vehicles in Winnellie. The vehicles, confirmed to be owned by a local business, prompted an immediate investigation by Strike Force Trident.
Through community information Strike Force Trident identified the youth offenders involved, all of whom were already known to police and under Electronic Monitoring Device (EMD) supervision.
Utilising live EMD tracking, Strike Force Trident, with support from Dog Operations Unit and the Darwin Traffic Operations, initiated several pursuits across the Greater Darwin Region. One pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns arising from excessive speed and dangerous driving, which included the stolen motor vehicle deliberately ramming a police vehicle and throwing bottles of liquor at all police vehicles involved. In a subsequent pursuit, the stolen motor vehicle continued with the reckless behaviour and rammed a second police vehicle.
Despite the daring actions, the two police vehicles sustained moderate panel damage but remained operational. The pursuit concluded in the Palmerston area, where tyre deflation devices were successfully deployed. The youth driver attempted to flee but was tracked and apprehended by Patrol Dog Wedge a short distance away from the vehicle. The other two youth passengers were promptly arrested within the stolen motor vehicle.
The liquor thrown at Police was later determined to belong to a licensed premises which was unlawfully entered in the suburb of Lyons a short time prior to the pursuits commencing.
The three youths, aged 13, remain in police custody and are expected to be charged later today. Two other youths have been identified in the offending with further arrests and charges expected.
“In the face of adversity, our dedicated team at Strike Force Trident, alongside the relentless efforts of our K9 units and the Darwin Traffic Ops, showcased the epitome of excellence in policing.
“Today’s operation exemplifies our commitment to protecting our community and ensuring that justice prevails.” said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard.
