Police are appealing to a youth who fled the scene of a crash this morning to come forward.

The crash, which closed Stuart Highway at Howard Springs Road, came after a series of serious incidents overnight.

“At about 8:00pm a stolen white Mitsubishi Mirage, registration CB93PT, rear-ended a white Holden Commodore, registration CC4ME, at the intersection on Mataram and Winnellie Roads, Winnellie,” said Commander Michael Murphy.

“While the Commodore was stopped, three youths from the stolen vehicle forced the three occupants from the car and headed toward the city in both vehicles. The victims reported that one of the youths may have had a firearm in his belt.

“Police located the two stolen vehicles being driven on Temple Terrace in Palmerston. A short pursuit commenced, with the stolen vehicles separating. The pursuit was terminated when the Commodore was driven onto the wrong side of the road.”

There were several sightings and short pursuits of the Commodore during the night, which were terminated for safety reasons after the car was driven at dangerously high speeds.

“Shortly after midnight Police received a report of an armed hold-up in Fannie Bay. A pizza delivery man on a scooter was held up and had cash stolen. One of his assailants had a firearm and they fled in the stolen Commodore,” said Commander Murphy.

The Commodore was sighted in the Darwin rural area around 1:00am.

“Shortly after 3:00am the Commodore was involved in a crash on the Stuart Highway at the Howard Springs Road and Lambrick Avenue intersection. Three people were trapped in the vehicle, a fourth fled the scene. Two males and a female were taken to hospital. The driver of the second vehicle was also taken to hospital.

“Police located a shotgun in the stolen vehicle at the scene of the crash; a similar weapon used at the armed hold-up.”

A search continues for the fourth person, who left the scene of the crash, identified as 19-year-old Aaron Hyde.

“We believe that Aaron was in the vehicle at the time of the crash. I urge Aaron, his family, friends or associates or anyone that knows his whereabouts to contact police immediately. We hold serious concerns for his welfare after the seriousness of the crash in which he was involved.”

Police urge anyone with information to his whereabouts to call 131 444 immediately.

Police would also like to call for anyone that witnessed any of the pursuits of either car to contact then on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The white Mitsubishi Mirage remains outstanding.