Northern Territory Police have arrested a 35-year-old man after he allegedly held a family against their will in their McMinn Street residence.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Board from the Serious Crime Squad said the man had earlier held up a bottle shop on Cavenagh Street in Darwin City about 7.45pm.

“The man stole cash and a carton of pre-mixed cans,” he said.

“About 11:40pm police received a further report of a family of four who had been held against their will by a man wielding a knife in their residence. He later stole their white Toyota Corolla station wagon.”

Shortly after, Police attempted to apprehend the stolen vehicle on Bagot Road. The vehicle reversed, making contact with the police vehicle before driving away. 

The vehicle was later sighted at the Marrara cricket grounds where the stolen vehicle again reversed into a police vehicle before crashing through the gates of the cricket ground.

“The vehicle drove erratically around the oval before crashing through a second fence and coming to a stop in nearby scrub.

“The man ran from the area and was later located at the Northlakes Shopping Centre where he was arrested.”

He was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for a medical assessment and his since been transferred to the Darwin Watch House.

It is expected that he will be interviewed by detectives later today.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have seen the man in or around the city area last night, or the white 2006 Toyota Corolla Station Wagon, to come forward. The man was wearing a distinctive purple LA Lakers Basketball singlet with the number 24 on the front and back, a black cap, black track pants and runners.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.