A man is currently receiving medical treatment in Katherine Hospital after crashing his car south of Katherine this morning.

The 46-year-old man had allegedly failed to stop at roadblocks south of Darwin and north of Katherine.

Shortly before 1am, a white ute failed to stop at the Stuart Highway checkpoint south of Darwin. Police commenced a pursuit, which was terminated soon afterward.

The vehicle was sighted about an hour later near Acacia Hill.

Late this morning the vehicle reappeared north of the Katherine checkpoint, driving dangerously on the wrong side of the road. He failed to stop at the checkpoint and police commenced a second pursuit, which was terminated north of the township.

Police successfully deployed a tyre deflation device and followed the vehicle through Katherine before the driver crashed into light vegetation at the checkpoint south of the town.

The driver received minor injuries and is receiving medical treatment before police interview him.

Superintendent Peter Dash said, “Several public health breaches and traffic offences have been identified during this incident, which is also being treated as a custody incident. We are investigating the circumstances, however we can say that Northern Territory Police will continue to enforce the Chief Health Officer’s Directions.”

Police are asking for any witnesses that may have seen or have dash-cam footage of a single cab white utility driving dangerously to call 131 444 or you can make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number 9840379.

The penalty for failing to abide by the Chief Health Officer’s Directions issued under section 56 of the Public and Environment Health Act 2011 is $5024 for an individual (32 penalty units) and $25,120 for a business (160 penalty units).