Murray Bridge: Man car-jacks woman driver
A MAN who allegedly carjacked a woman at Murray Bridge before causing a multiple car collision and biting a police officer has been denied bail.
A MAN who allegedly carjacked a woman at Murray Bridge before causing a multiple car collision and biting a police officer has been denied bail.
Police were called to Swanport Road, near the intersection with Mulgundawah Rd and Monash Tce, about 11.20am on Tuesday after the man allegedly swerved in front of a grey Toyota station wagon on a bicycle, causing it to crash into him.
The man, 45, of Murray Bridge, then allegedly pulled the female driver out of the car and drove off with it.
A police spokesman said he crashed into several other cars and a Stobie pole soon afterwards.
He was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.
The man appeared in the Murray Bridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with robbery, attempted theft, driving in a dangerous manner, aggravated assault against a police officer and resisting arrest.
He was refused bail and was remanded in custody.
An SA Ambulance spokeswoman said three people were taken to the Murray Bridge Hospital with minor injuries.
Stephan Timm was at the intersection when he saw the stolen car heading towards him.
“The car launched in the air, like three or four feet in the air and it just came straight for us,” he said.
“What do you do? I just tried to steer into the footpath here to avoid a head on.”
Mervyn Pierpoint was driving north on Swanport Rd with his 12-year-old son when they witnessed a car speed through the roundabout outside the Murray Bridge Hospital.
“(The car) came around and hit a white Ford,” Mr Pierpoint said.
“I got out and saw the driver was lying in the passenger seat.
Mr Pierpoint said the man had then tried to steal his car.
“He’s snapped my key in the ignition,” he said. “My boy is pretty shaken up.”
Murray Mallee Police Superintendent James Blandford said a police officer was bitten by the suspect during the arrest.
“People are stressed from our town ... obviously going thought that emotional trauma,” he said.
“We have got a human obligation to render assistance to people who need it at times of emergency.”
About 660 properties in Murray Bridge were without power after the incident.
A spokesman for SA Power Networks said power was restored to about 530 customers about 1pm, while power to the remaining 130 customers affected was restored about 2.30pm.
