A 46-year-old man has been charged after allegedly driving a white ute through the doors of Morley Galleria shopping centre in Perth early Friday morning. Police say the vehicle forced entry through the southern doors around 4:35am, after a bollard was removed. The ute was driven through the main doors and into the roller doors of a store, but the driver was unable to gain entry and fled the scene.
Approximately one hour later, the suspect was apprehended at a nearby pub, the Russell Inn Bar, which had not yet opened. According to publican Harry Sandhu, CCTV footage shows the man following a delivery worker into the venue, searching behind the bar for a glass, and pouring himself a beer from the taps. The delivery worker confronted him and called police.
Police arrived and arrested the man, who was seen on CCTV removing his jacket to reveal an apron reading 'best Dad ever' before putting his hands in the air. Officers pointed tasers at him before handcuffing and leading him away. The man has been charged with criminal damage or destruction of property and aggravated burglary on a place, among other offences. He is due to face court on Saturday.
The incident caused damage to the shopping centre, with tyre marks visible on the floor and the entrance to Target cordoned off. Centre owner Vicinity confirmed that Target and the entry to the Woolworths Mall remain closed, while other areas continue trading. The pub owner expressed disappointment, noting the incident has frightened his wife and made things difficult for the family-owned business.
