Townsville police are warning members of the public not to take criminal matters into their own hands after a man was charged overnight for allegedly pursuing a stolen vehicle until it crashed with a 13-year-old allegedly behind the wheel.
Police allege that at around 10pm on Saturday night, a Hyundai Santa Fe that was stolen from Aitkenvale was witnessed by a 48-year-old man being driven in a dangerous manner along McLean Street in Gulliver.
It is further alleged the man began pursuing in his own vehicle towards Palmerston Street at high speed on the wrong side of the road.
The stolen car then lost control and crashed into a power pole at Currajong while the man allegedly mounted the curb in his own vehicle in an attempt to box in the occupants.
Three juveniles fled the crashed Santa Fe and the man continued to chase them in his vehicle as they fled through a residential property.
Police attended the scene and arrested the man along with a 13-year-old boy who was located hiding under a house.
A subsequent search of the man’s vehicle uncovered a tyre iron allegedly intended for the purpose of using against car thieves.
A 48-year-old Pimlico man has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of a weapon and driving and unregistered vehicle. He is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on December 2.
A 13-year-old Bungalow boy has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass and possession of dangerous drugs.
Acting District Superintendent Sean Dugger said vigilantes would be treated the same as anyone else engaging in criminal activity.
“This incident could have very easily ended in tragedy,” Superintendent Dugger said.
“The actions of vigilantes not only put their own lives potentially at risk, but those of innocent members of the community.
“We understand there can be public frustration with ongoing criminal activity, but taking matters into your own hands will not be tolerated by police.
“Townsville police continue to successfully target property crime within the district and successfully bring offenders to justice.”
