Canobolas Highway Patrol
Youth Charged After Car-Jack, Pursuit – Central West
A Penrith youth is due to appear in Orange Children’s Court this morning on multiple charges following a pursuit and alleged car-jacking yesterday.
Police will allege the 17-year-old boy caught a taxi in Wellington about 5.30 pm and threatened the driver with a knife. The driver jumped out of the moving 2005-model white Ford Falcon sedan, with the youth allegedly driving from the scene along the Mitchell Highway towards Orange.
A few minutes later the taxi left the road and rolled a number of times.
When a carload of tourists came to the youth’s aid, he allegedly threatened the driver with a knife demanding the keys to their 2009-model blue Hyundai Getz hire car; he was last seen driving the vehicle along the Mitchell Highway, again, towards Orange.
A crime scene was established and a description of the vehicle provided to Police.
About 5.45 pm Canobolas Highway Patrol Police intercepted the vehicle on Burrendong Way near Mumbil and initiated a pursuit however this was terminated minute later due to safety concerns.
Shortly after 6 pm the vehicle was again sighted and pursued along Belgravia Road at Mullion Creek when the youth lost control of the Getz and it struck a tree.
The youth then ran from the scene into bushland. A perimeter was established and a search underway. The youth was arrested at a roadblock on Bevan Road at 8.20 pm after hitching a lift with a passing motorist.
The youth was taken to Orange Police Station where Police will allege the youth assaulted a number of detectives from Orana Local Area Command. One officer required hospital treatment after being allegedly struck in the groin.
The youth was charged with nine offences:
- Two counts of aggravated assault with intent to take/drive vehicle while armed,
- Two counts of drive vehicle recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous,
- Three counts of assault officer in execution of duty,
- Intimidate Police officer in execution of duty,
- Being an unlicenced driver.
The youth was refused bail overnight before his court appearance today.