Two teenagers have been charged following an alleged incident in which they drove at a police officer and rammed a police car in Canberra's south. The pair, aged 17 and 18, were taken into custody after a pursuit on Friday night.
Pursuit and Alleged Assault
Police said the incident began around 9:30 pm when officers attempted to stop a vehicle in the suburb of Chisholm. The driver allegedly refused to stop and sped away, initiating a pursuit. During the chase, the vehicle allegedly drove directly at a police officer who had to take evasive action to avoid being hit. The officer was not injured.
The pursuit continued through the streets of Chisholm and nearby suburbs. At one point, the suspect vehicle allegedly rammed a police car, causing damage. No officers were injured in the collision.
Arrests and Charges
The vehicle was eventually stopped in the suburb of Greenway, where the two occupants were arrested without further incident. The 17-year-old male driver has been charged with multiple offences, including aggravated assault on a police officer, driving in a manner dangerous, and failing to stop for police. The 18-year-old male passenger has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to a serious indictable offence.
Both teenagers were refused bail and appeared in the ACT Children's Court on Saturday. They are due to face court again next week.
Police Response
ACT Policing Acting Superintendent David Mills said the alleged actions were extremely dangerous and could have resulted in serious injury or death. "This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and puts the community and our officers at risk," he said. "We will continue to pursue those who engage in such reckless conduct."
The incident has prompted a review of police pursuit protocols, though Acting Superintendent Mills said officers acted appropriately given the circumstances.
