Police have arrested a 24-year-old male in relation to a crash involving a Holden commodore and an airport shuttle bus at approximately 10:15pm last night.
It is alleged that the male was driving the green Holden utility which was first sighted by police failing to indicate and disobeying a red light at the intersection of Frances Bay Drive and Tiger Brennan Drive, minutes before the crash. Members attempted to pull the vehicle over however it accelerated away which resulted in a police pursuit.
The vehicle, which had one passenger, attempted to turn left on McMinn Street, disobeyed a red light and allegedly crashed into an airport shuttle bus with 11 people on board.
The bus was subsequently pushed into a roadwork excavation site. One passenger received a laceration to the leg and another two were treated for minor neck injuries by St John Ambulance members at the scene.
The male allegedly failed to stop at the scene of the crash and drove to a block of units in Gonzales Street where he parked the vehicle and fled the premises.
The male contacted police immediately after the crash and stated that his vehicle had been stolen, however further investigations proved this was false.
Police located and arrested the male a short time after.
He was later released from custody and will be summonsed for the following charges:
Recklessly Endangering Serious Harm
Drive In A Speed And Manner Dangerous
Drive Medium Range (0.085%)
Fail To Stop Or Assist After Crash
Drive Without Due Care
Fail To Obey Signal Of Member (Not Stop)
Fail To Obey Red Traffic Signal
Duty Superintendent Rob Farmer condemned the actions of the male.
"This driver has engaged in dangerous conduct to avoid being apprehended for a medium range drink driving offence and his actions endangered the lives of himself, his passenger and other innocent road users.
"In addition to the original drink driving offence, he now faces very serious charges that could result in a period of imprisonment," he said.
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash or saw the Holden utility in the area at the time to please contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or http://www.nt.crimestoppers.com.au/.
Media contact:
Kyla Raby
8922 3365
