Detectives from the General Crime Section have charged two men in relation to Arson and Deprivation of Liberty offences thanks to the actions of an off-duty Police Officer.
At approximately 7:15 pm on Monday, a 30-year-old female was driving a Holden Commodore sedan along Mitchell Street when she was involved in a minor motor vehicle crash with a taxi whilst she was attempting to perform a U-turn.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Board said that at the same time the minor crash occurred, two men where inside a nearby hotel posing as valet parking staff.
“As the men left the hotel, they entered the Holden Commodore with the female driver still inside. It is alleged the men demanded she drive off.
“The woman drove off down Mitchell Street with the men in the car and it is alleged that during this time the woman was ordered out of the driver’s seat. One of the men then proceeded to drive to Palmerston, hiding in various streets in an attempt to avoid detection by Police.
“At approximately 9:30 pm, the car pulled over on Terry Drive in Gunn where the woman and the men exited the car. The two men then re-entered the car and drove off, leaving the woman stranded on the side of the road. She was assisted a short time later by a passing motorist who drove her to the Darwin Police Station.
“The men drove the car to Temple Terrace where they ran out of petrol in a vacant car park. It is alleged the men purchased fuel from a nearby service station in a jerry can, but the car failed to start.
“It is alleged the men then set fire to the car. The car was completely destroyed by the fire.
“At approximately 1:10 am on Tuesday, an Off Duty Police Officer, who earlier that night attended the crash on duty on Mitchell Street, observed the two men getting into a taxi.
“The off duty Officer followed the Taxi and reported the information to Police, who were then able to arrest the men moments later.
“The actions of this off duty Officer is to be commended, he clearly went above and beyond the call of duty. Thanks to his observation and attention to detail, Police were able to arrest these men before they caused any more trouble.
The two men aged 40 and 32 have been charged with various offences including arson, deprivation of liberty, stealing, unlawfully damage motor vehicle and unlawfully possess and unlawfully use a motor vehicle.
Anyone that may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in Palmerston or may have further information in relation to the incident is urged to contact NT Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Media Contact
Sarah Trinne
8985 8837
