A 25-year-old man has been remanded in custody after allegedly leading ACT Policing on a dramatic high-speed chase while drunk, disqualified, and with his vehicle's tyres leaving the ground.
Alleged Burnout Sparks Erratic Pursuit
The incident began around 11pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in the southern Canberra suburb of Conder. Police on patrol reportedly observed a light-coloured Toyota HiLux with New South Wales plates performing a 'full circular rotation' burnout at the intersection of Box Hill Avenue and Heidelberg Street.
When officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, the driver, William Jason Ward, allegedly failed to stop. Instead, he is accused of initiating what police described as an 'extremely dangerous' pursuit. Ward is said to have driven erratically at speeds up to 40km/h over the signposted limit, repeatedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road, mounted median strips, and swerved dangerously.
Dramatic Escape and Eventual Surrender
The chase continued into the suburb of Gordon, where the driver's alleged actions became even more reckless. Police allege Ward drove at such a speed over a roundabout that all four tyres of his ute left the ground. He is also accused of narrowly missing another road user and crashing into a street light before managing to evade police.
However, in a twist, at approximately midnight, Ward himself called police and admitted to being the driver they were pursuing. Officers arrested him soon after in the nearby suburb of Theodore. A breath test returned an alleged blood alcohol reading of 0.185, more than three times the legal limit.
Bail Refused Despite Self-Reporting
William Jason Ward faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, January 16, charged with a string of offences including aggravated dangerous driving, damaging property, improper use of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, and driving while disqualified, suspended, and under the influence.
Although the prosecution did not oppose his conditional release, largely due to his decision to hand himself in, Magistrate Glenn Theakston refused bail. Mr Theakston stated the alleged conduct showed a 'tendency to panic and do whatever was necessary to evade police' with a 'total disregard for the safety of others'. The magistrate also expressed no confidence that Ward would comply with conditions banning him from driving.
Ward did not enter pleas and is scheduled to return to court later in January to make a fresh bail application.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
ACT Policing has urged any witnesses or individuals with dash-cam footage of the Toyota HiLux driving dangerously in the suburbs of Conder, Gordon, or Theodore on Thursday night to come forward. Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on the Crime Stoppers ACT website, referencing reference number 8275994.
