A man from Adelaide's southern suburbs has been arrested and charged after allegedly driving his car into a tobacconist shop in the city's northwest and fleeing the scene in the early hours of Monday morning.
Chaotic Scene on Grand Junction Road
The incident unfolded around 2:30 am on Monday along Grand Junction Road in the suburb of Rosewater. According to police reports, a Volkswagen SUV left the roadway and smashed directly into the front of the tobacconist shop.
The force of the impact caused significant damage to the shop front, with emergency services later noting concerns about the building's structural integrity. Photographs from the scene showed the vehicle propping up part of the damaged awning, leading authorities to delay its immediate removal.
Police Manhunt and Arrest
Following the crash, the driver allegedly ran from the scene, prompting an immediate police search of the surrounding area. South Australia Police officers located the 42-year-old man from Aldinga Beach a short time later on nearby Leader Street, where he was taken into custody.
The man now faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Drive under the influence
- Driving without due care
- Breach of bail conditions
- Leaving the scene of a crash
He has been refused police bail and is scheduled to face the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court later on Monday.
Investigation and Context
Crime scene investigators have examined the location, but police have been quick to state that this crash is not connected to Operation Eclipse. That major SA Police operation is a targeted crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade across the state.
Authorities have confirmed that their investigations into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing. The event caused a significant disruption in the Rosewater area, drawing multiple emergency service units to Grand Junction Road during the night.
The case highlights the serious consequences of driving under the influence and failing to remain at the scene of an accident, with the accused now facing multiple charges before the court.
