The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 35-year-old male in relation to driving offences and an assault police incident that occurred in Alice Springs on Wednesday.
Around 10am on Wednesday 12 March, police observed a Holden Cruze driving erratically around the Alice Springs CBD. Members from the Southern Traffic Operations Unit responded and located the vehicle a short time later on Gregory Terrace. Police attempted a traffic apprehension, however the driver accelerated away before turning into a carpark on Tuit Lane.
The 35-year-old male driver attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended and arrested by attending police. Whilst being escorted to a nearby police vehicle for the purpose of a breath analysis, the offender allegedly spat in the face of one of the officers, before further resisting arrest.
He was conveyed to the Alice Springs Watch House where he was unable to complete a breath analysis and was subsequently conveyed to the Alice Springs Hospital where a blood sample was taken for forensic analysis.
Upon CCTV review, police observed that prior to being apprehended, the vehicle had collided into a parked car, had driven on the wrong side of the road, and consistently failed to maintain a straight line in its traffic lane. At one point, the driver allegedly exited the vehicle and walked across the road forcing ongoing traffic to take action to avoid him.
The offender was later found to be subject of an Alcohol Ignition Lock Licence condition and had not fitted the required equipment to his vehicle, nor obtained the appropriate licence.
He was later charged with:
- Assault including Spitting on a Police Officer
- Resist Police in Execution of Duty
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- Fail to Comply with Police Officers Direction to stop for RBT
- Drive while not under AIL Licence
- Not stop or assist after crash
- Fail to report crash
- Careless driving
- Walk without due care on road
The 35-year-old was further remanded to appear in court on 11 April 2025.
Superintendent Peter Dash said, “The assault on a police officer is unacceptable at any time, however, spitting in the face of a member sworn to serve and protect the community is one of the most disgusting acts that can occur.
“This type of action will not be tolerated and anyone who commits such acts will face the full force of the law.
“The excellent collaboration between police units in accurately reporting information allowed Southern Traffic Operations members to quickly locate the driver and stop him before anyone was injured from his irresponsible and dangerous actions.
“Upon reviewing the actions of this driver, it is clear if he had not been removed from our roads something more tragic was likely to occur.
“Police will continue to work tirelessly with our communities to ensure that these risk-taking drivers are removed from our streets, making them a safer place for all road users. Remember, safe drivers save lives.”
