A 14-year-old boy has been charged following an alleged car theft and subsequent police pursuit through Canberra's northern suburbs on Tuesday afternoon.
Incident details
ACT Policing responded to reports of a stolen vehicle in the suburb of Gungahlin around 2:30 pm. The vehicle, a white Hyundai Tucson, was allegedly taken from a residence on The Valley Avenue. Police spotted the car a short time later and attempted to stop it, but the driver refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit.
The chase moved through several suburbs, including Palmerston, Nicholls, and Crace, before ending in the suburb of Franklin. During the pursuit, the vehicle reached speeds of up to 120 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, according to police. The driver allegedly ran a red light and drove on the wrong side of the road, endangering other motorists.
Arrest and charges
The pursuit concluded when the stolen car collided with a fence in a residential street in Franklin. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by police shortly after. No injuries were reported.
The 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with multiple offences including aggravated car theft, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving without a licence. He was refused bail and will appear before the ACT Children's Court on Wednesday.
Police response
Acting Detective Inspector Stephen Ladd said the incident highlighted the dangers of juvenile involvement in car theft. "This is a serious offence that put the community at risk," he said. "We will continue to target those involved in this type of criminal behaviour, regardless of their age."
Police have urged residents to secure their vehicles and report any suspicious activity. The investigation into the theft is ongoing.
Community impact
The incident has sparked concerns among local residents about youth crime in the area. Gungahlin Community Council chairperson Peter Elford said the community was "shocked" by the incident. "It's alarming to see such young individuals involved in these dangerous activities," he said. "We need more support for youth programs and early intervention."
ACT Policing data shows that car thefts in the Gungahlin region have increased by 15% over the past year, with juveniles accounting for a significant portion of arrests.
