Palmerston police apprehended a 13-year-old male as he attempted to flee over a fence in Cornwallis Circuit, Gray after crashing a stolen vehicle into a parked car about 2.30 this morning.

It is alleged the youth had been drinking at a unit in Cornwallis Circuit before stealing a Ford Econovan from a nearby residence in Gray. A short time later the vehicle was abandoned on Cornwallis Circuit and the youth walked to nearby Emery Avenue where he allegedly stole a Subaru station wagon.

He drove around Cornwallis Circuit raising the alarm of residents before leaving the area and crashing the car into a tree at the intersection of Woodroffe Avenue and Temple Terrace.

He left the crash scene and walked to Altair Court, Woodroffe where he allegedly stole a blue Holden Commodore. The youth drove the vehicle back to Cornwallis Circuit and was seen by police attending to the abandoned Ford Econovan. Members attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, however the youth drove away from police turning into a unit complex on Cornwallis Circuit. He then collided with the parked car causing damage to both vehicles and the fence around the unit complex.

He was apprehended and later returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.123 percent and has been charged with:

Unlawful use of a motor vehicle
Unlawfully damage property
Drive a motor vehicle while unlicensed
Drive medium range blood alcohol content

He was remanded in custody to appear in the Darwin Youth Justice Court on Tuesday 27 January.

Police would again like to remind vehicle owners to be sure to keep their vehicles locked at all times and to report any suspicious behaviour to police on 131 444.


Media Contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3531