A 12-year-old male will appear in Darwin Youth Justice Court today charged with a range of property and traffic offences following the theft of a vehicle in Palmerston.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said the youth allegedly stole a Ford Fiesta parked outside a residence in Bellamack on Saturday night.

“The youth allegedly drove the vehicle to a service station in Karama and stole $51 worth of petrol.

“Police were conducting patrols in Moulden early Sunday morning when they located the stolen vehicle in the middle of the road. Police allege the offender drove the Ford Fiesta at speed towards the Police vehicle.

“The Ford Fiesta narrowly missed the Police vehicle and mounted a curb causing the rear tyre to blow before accelerating away from the scene, driving at high speed on the wheel rim.

“The youth attended a service station in Pinelands early Sunday afternoon and stole a can of soft drink.  A female employee chased the youth from the store. Police allege the offender threw rocks at the employee’s vehicle and spat on her before fleeing the area.”

The youth also allegedly broke into a Moulden Child Care Centre and stolen food items on 16 September.

The youth was arrested on Sunday afternoon and charged with:

Stealing (x3)

Aggravated unlawful entry

Aggravated unlawful use of motor vehicle

Recklessly endangering serious harm

Aggravated assault

Drive unlicensed

Drive at speed that is dangerous

Drive in a manner that is dangerous

Breach of bail

Damage to property.

He was remanded in custody to appear in Court today.