SA police news: Man killed on quadbike at Woodside | 16yo motorcyclist critically injured at Felixstow
A man in his 70s was killed in a quadbike accident on a private property in the Adelaide Hills, while a teenager is fighting for life after crashing his motorbike at Felixstow.
Police & Courts
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South Australia’s rolling police and emergency services news starting Sunday, October 31.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6
MAN DEAD AFTER QUADBIKE ACCIDENT
A man was killed in a quadbike accident at Woodside on Friday night.
Police arrived to a private property about 11.30pm, but the man, 74, had died at the scene.
His death is not suspicious and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
TEEN MOTORCYCLIST FIGHTING FOR LIFE
A teenage motorcyclist has been critically injured after crashing into a car at Felixstow.
The Kawasaki motorbike and Suzuki hatchback collided just before 6pm on Friday on the corner of Riverside Dr.
The rider, a Woodville West boy, 16, was seriously injured and rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
The driver of the Suzuki, a Joslin woman, 21, was not injured.
Langman Gr was closed between Cardigan Ave and Pembury Gr, but has since reopened.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
BAROSSA AND NORTHERN CHEMIST ARMED ROBBERIES ARREST
A man was arrested over three armed robberies earlier in the week at Salisbury North, Ingle Farm and Hewett.
The first robbery occurred last Sunday when police were called to a Salisbury North chemist on Bagster Rd at 10.20am, after a man entered the business armed with a firearm.
Staff handed over a small amount of money before he left the building on foot. He was last seen walking southeast on Shrewton Crt.
The second incident occurred just after 4pm on Tuesday, where the man entered a Roopena St pharmacy and demanded cash from the register at Ingle Farm. A staff member handed over an amount of cash to the offender and he left on foot.
A day later, the man was again allegedly armed with a firearm and approached staff of a Kingfisher Dr chemist at Hewett about 3pm on Wednesday. The man took cash before leaving on foot towards Wren Pl.
In all three incidents the offender was described as being of caucasian appearance, with a pale complexion, approximately 188cm tall with a slim build and wearing a hooded top with a face covering.
On Friday night, detectives arrested an Elizabeth Downs man, 32, and charged him with three counts of aggravated robbery. He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday.
GATE, FENCE CRASHED INTO SPARKING PURSUIT
A man is yet to be charged after crashing into a gate and fence, and triggering a police pursuit at Brahma Lodge.
Police arrived at a Main North Rd home shortly after 2.15am on Saturday regarding a noise complaint.
An occupant of the home was spoken to, before another man saw police and got into a black Audi.
The man then drove towards a gate, knocking it off its hinges into the patrol car.
The driver could not get through the gate, so he rammed a Colorbond fence a number of times, knocking it down and driving off.
He was spotted by a different police patrol on Main North Rd, which attempted to stop him.
He refused to stop and was pursued, but the chase was called off for safety reasons.
The car was last seen near John Rice Ave.
Police know the identity of the driver and are following positive lines of inquiry.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5
CHILD EXPOITATION CHARGES
A southern suburbs man was arrested and charged with possessing child exploitation material.
The 51-year-old was arrested on Friday and charged with one count of aggravated possession of child exploitation material and three counts of failing to comply with his reporting obligations.
He was refused police bail and will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday, November 8.
STOLEN CAR PURSUED IN NORTH
Three people have been arrested after a stolen car was pursued through the northern suburbs on Thursday night.
About 9.20pm, police spotted a grey VW Jetta on Goodman Road at Elizabeth. They attempted to pull the car over but the driver refused and continued onto Kettering Road.
Checks showed the registration plates had been stolen from a Somerton Park property earlier this week.
Police pursued the car onto Bayer Road, Grainer Road and then onto Kettering Road and Phillip Highway, before the policed helicopter became involved about 9.40pm.
The helicopter tracked the car through Elizabeth Grove and Gulfview Heights, and saw the car driving dangerously on the wrong side of Philip Highway and Main north Road at Elizabeth Grove.
About 10 minutes later, the car was brought to a stop using spikes at the intersection of Bridge Road and Wynn Vale Drive, Gulfview Heights. It continued onto McIntyre Road before it could go no further, and police converged on the car.
The driver — a 27-year-old man from Royal Park — and two passengers — a 33-year-old man from Elizabeth South and a 30-year-old man from Davoren Park – were arrested.
They have all been charged with illegal use, while the driver was also charged with driving dangerously to escape police pursuit and driving while disqualified.
They were granted police bail and will appear in he Elizabeth Magistrates Court at later date.
Investigations revealed the VW Jetta had been stolen from an address at Royal Park earlier in the evening. It was towed from the scene.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4
MAN CHARGED OVER SEXUAL ASSAULT
A northern suburbs man has been charged over sexual and indecent assault of a woman.
The man, 35, was arrested on Thursday and charged with unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault of a woman known to him in April.
He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in January.
MAN AND WOMAN CAUGHT USING STOLEN CREDIT CARD
A man and woman have been snapped refuelling with a stolen credit card after ‘getting around’ in a car which was stolen on Saturday.
The white 2012 Hyundai i45 sedan was stolen from Mawson Lakes in the early hours of Saturday 30 October with a company credit card in the car at the time.
This card has been used at several service stations in the Elizabeth area.
The male suspect is described as of caucasian appearance, with short brown hair and brown facial hair. He was wearing a navy jumper, camouflage pants and white and red sneakers.
The female suspect is described as of caucasian appearance, with a slim build and brown hair in a bun. She was wearing a black hooded jumper, black pants and black shoes.
The stolen Hyundai, registration S126ASD, has not yet been located. Anyone who spots it is asked to contact the police assistance line on 131 444.
Anyone who recognises either person in the footage or has any information that may lead to their identity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Please quote reference 21-91M.
DRUGS, CASH FOUND AFTER PURSUIT
A man has been arrested following a pursuit at Port Pirie West which saw cash, prescription drugs and illicit drugs uncovered.
Police will allege that about 10.35am on Monday, a patrol attempted to stop a red Ford ute on Senate Road. The vehicle sped away but hit a shed soon after.
The driver, a 36-year-old local man got out of the ute and dropped some methamphetamine on the ground before officers arrested him.
A search of the vehicle uncovered more than $5000 cash and prescription medication.
When police searched the man’s house they uncovered more methamphetamine, scales and other drug paraphernalia.
He was charged with numerous offences including trafficking an illicit substance, driving while disqualified, engaging in a police pursuit and unlawful possession. He may face further charges after testing positive to methamphetamine while driving.
The suspect was refused bail and appeared in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody.
Anyone with information about the manufacture, sale and possession of illegal drugs is asked to call Crime Stoppers.
TRUCK DRIVER FINED AFTER SMOKEY DESCENT
A truck driver was fined for failing to use a low gear after smoke was seen coming from his brakes while descending the South Eastern Freeway on Wednesday afternoon.
About 3.15pm on Wednesday 3 November, concerned motorists alerted police that a B-double truck had smoke coming from the undercarriage.
Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit officers responded and found the truck on Hampstead Road, Broadview.
A strong burning smell was emanating from the brakes of the truck and trailers and a mechanical examination found the braking system had been compromised.
Officers also viewed video footage of the truck‘s descent down the freeway showing the driver applying brakes in contravention of the South Eastern Freeway low gear requirements.
The driver, a 52-year-old Barossa man, was issued with an expiation notice of $1076 for failing to use a low gear. The truck and two trailers were defected and directed to be towed away.
In September, a 77-year-old man died after two trucks crashed on the South Eastern Freeway.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
STUDENT ARMED WITH HAMMER AT UNDERDALE HIGH
A student was capsicum sprayed after he allegedly threatened a classmate with a hammer at Underdale High School.
Police arrived to the Garden Tce school after reports a student was threatening another student verbally while wielding a hammer at 2.40pm.
The school was locked down, before police arrested the boy, 16, after he was subdued with capsicum spray. Nobody was injured.
The boy, of Mile End, was charged with carrying an offensive weapon and will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on December 8.
HEWETT SCHOOL LOCKDOWN AFTER CHEMIST ROBBERY
A rural primary school was locked down after a man robbed the nearby chemist allegedly at gunpoint.
The man approached the chemist on Kingfisher Dr at Hewett, north of Gawler, about 3pm on Wednesday.
Police allege the man demanded cash and was armed with a firearm.
He stole cash and fled on foot towards Wren Pl.
As a result, Hewett Primary School went into a temporary lockdown for safety.
The suspect is described as 183cm tall, with a pale complexion, slim build and aged in his mid-to-late 20s. He was wearing light grey shorts and an orange and black top underneath a grey hoodie.
Police are continuing their search for the suspect and ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
BUSINESSES TARGETED BY SAME MAN
An investigation is underway into an attempted robbery and a theft believed to have been committed by the same man on Wednesday morning.
About 5.10am, police were called to a service station on Richmond Road at Richmond after reports a man had entered, grabbed a pen and threatened a staff member.
The man demanded a bag be filled with cash, but the attendant refused and chased him away.
The suspect was last seen running east on Richmond Rd. No one was injured in the incident.
Then, at 8am, the same man entered a cafe in Pirie St in the CBD and went behind the counter, police said.
He took cash from the till before leaving, but not no threats were made and staff saw no weapon.
Police released an image of a suspect they wish to speak to.
He is described as being of caucasian appearance and about 180 centimetres tall with a receding hairline. He was wearing a black jacket, dark pants, red/white/black Nike Air Max shoes and a face mask.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
STOLEN CAR CRASHES IN NORTH
A man is on the run after he allegedly stole a car, then crashed it 15 minutes later, in the northern suburbs on Wednesday morning.
About 5.45am, a silver Nissan X-Trail was stolen from the driveway of a home at Parafield Gardens after the owner left the engine on and went back inside to collect something.
Then, just after 6am, emergency services were called to the intersection of Waterloo Corner Rd and Stewart Ave at Salisbury following reports the car hit a tree.
The SUV had landed on its side, but members of the public managed to push it off of the road and out of the way of traffic.
The driver was seen running west along Waterloo Corner Rd towards the Salisbury Swimming Centre. Police said he may have sustained facial injuries in the crash.
He is described as of Aboriginal appearance and 178 centimetres tall with a slim build, and wearing a black t-shirt and dark trackpants. The man was carrying a dark backpack.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
MAN ARRESTED AFTER SERIOUS CRASH IN ADELAIDE
A man has been charged following a serious crash in the city last month which left an innocent motorist with serious injuries.
It will be alleged that at about 10.15pm on October 4, patrols stopped a silver Holden utility travelling on Currie Street in the city.
As police approached the vehicle it sped away and travelled south on West Terrace before colliding into the rear of a Mitsubishi Lancer sedan.
The driver of the Holden, a 47-year-old man from Northfield and the driver of the Mitsubishi, a 34-year-old man from Clarence Gardens both suffered serious injuries.
The Lancer driver was The Advertiser’s Deputy Editor Ben Hyde, 34, who was on his way home from work.
He suffered serious injuries but is reportedly recovering well, having left the intensive care unit.
On Tuesday officers from Major Crash Investigation Section arrested the Northfield man and charged him with aggravated causing serious injury by dangerous driving and aggravated careless driving.
He was bailed to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 12 January 2022.
STAFF THREATENED BY MOTORCYCLISTS WITH TASER AT PARA HILLS
Supermarket staff have been threatened with a taser after two terrifying overnight robberies in Para Hills.
About 8pm on Monday, a man and woman wearing full face motorcycle helmets entered behind the service counter of a supermarket at Wilkinson Road, Para Hills.
The man threatened staff with a Taser before stealing numerous cartons of cigarettes and leaving on a black motorcycle with a large chrome exhaust, gold coloured rims and no registration plates.
Fortunately no one was injured during the incident.
The man is described as 188cm tall with a thin build and wearing a black motorbike helmet with ‘666’ on the back. The woman is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, about 173cm with a medium build.
Police believe the incident may be linked to an earlier robbery on Monday at a supermarket at Gilles Plains in which staff were also threatened with a taser
At about 5.40pm, a man and woman entered the staff area of a supermarket on North East Road wearing full face motorcycle helmets.
The couple were seen to load the stolen items into a white Mitsubishi Magna sedan before riding off on a black motorcycle.
CCTV shows the motorcycle travelling in company with the white Mitsubishi Magna sedan.
At about 8.45pm, police located the suspect Mitsubishi Magna on Montague Road, Para Vista finding empty cardboard boxes believed to be stolen from both supermarkets.
The driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old man from Para Vista was charged with aggravated robbery, the vehicle was seized.
Police are still searching for the man and woman who left both scenes on the motorbike.
Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
SUSPICIOUS HOUSE FIRE IN SOUTH
An investigation is under way following a suspicious house fire and a brawl in the southern suburbs.
Just after 7am Tuesday, emergency services were called to a home on Finian Road at Christie Downs following reports of the blaze.
The occupant was not injured, but the carport and house were extensively damaged.
A brawl between several people broke out at the front of the property, and a man was taken to Noarlunga hospital with minor injuries.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.
WOMAN INJURED IN CRASH
A woman has been flown to hospital after a car and a truck were involved in a crash on the Fleurieu Peninsula on Monday night.
About 7.30pm, police and emergency services were called to Goolwa Road at Mosquito Hill after reports the Holden Cruze sedan and truck had collided.
The driver of the Holden, a 42-year old woman from Hackham, was left with injuries with her head and upper body.
She was flown to the Flinders Medical Centre, but her injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.
Her passenger, a 15-year-old girl from Hackham, was taken by ambulance to Flinders Medical Centre with minor injuries, while the driver of the truck, a 55-year-old Moana man, was not injured.
Road restrictions were in place for a few hours, but the road has now reopened.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
TEEN CAUGHT “HOONING”
A teenager will face the Youth Court after he was spotted allegedly hooning in the northern suburbs late Monday night.
About 11.40pm, the police helicopter spotted two dirt bikes allegedly hooning without lights in the Andrews Farm area.
The bikes split and travelled in different directions, and one was followed by the helicopter back to a home at Blakeview.
Officers on the ground were directed to the house, where they found the rider along with a slingshot and a gel blaster.
The 16-year-old from Blakeview was reported for riding unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured and riding at night without lights.
He was also charged with possessing and insecurely storing a firearm and possession of a dangerous article.
The boy will be summonsed to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court at a later date, while the bike was impounded and the weapons were seized.
SUPERMARKET HOLD-UP AT PARA HILLS
Staff were threatened with a taser during a holdup at a supermarket north of the city on Monday night.
About 8pm, police were called to a store on Wilkinson Road at Para Hills after a man and a woman entered, produced the taser and stole a box of cigarettes.
Luckily, no one was injured in the incident.
The pair was seen leaving on a black road motorbike with a large chrome exhaust, gold rims and no registration plates.
The man is described as being about 188 centimetres tall with a thin build, and was wearing a black motorbike helmet with “666” on the back.
The woman is described as being of Aboriginal appearance and about 173 centimetres tall with a medium build.
Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1
SCHOOL BREAK-IN MURRAY BRIDGE
A Murray Bridge school was broken into over the weekend.
Police are investigating an alarm activation at the North Tce school, about 11.25pm on Saturday night.
A building had been broken into and keys were stolen.
Police ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
TEEN ARRESTED OVER HOLD-UP
A teenager has been arrested after a service station at St Peters was held up on Saturday morning.
About 5.45am, police were called to the store, on Stephen Terrace, after reports a man had entered and threatened staff, demanding money.
They refused and the suspect left-empty handed. No one was injured during the incident.
On Sunday night, following an investigation, police arrested a 18-year-old North Adelaide man over the incident.
He was charged with aggravated robbery and bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on January 5.
Investigations are continuing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
WARNING AFTER COUNTERFEIT SCAM
Police have issued a warning to the public after businesses in the southern suburbs fell victim to a counterfeit money scam.
Officers are investigating after a recent spate of fake $50 and $100 notes were used at businesses including service stations and supermarkets located in Morphett Vale, Woodcroft, Christies Beach and Old Reynella.
“Police are asking local businesses to be vigilant when receiving cash and take the time to inspect any money to ensure it is legitimate,” police said.
“To determine if a suspect note is counterfeit, it is best to compare it with a note that is known to be genuine.”
Anyone who receives counterfeit notes should contact police on 131 444 or visit their local station to report the incident.
More information on how to detect counterfeit notes is available from the Reserve Bank of Australia.
MASKED INTRUDER WANTED FOR THEFT
Police are searching for a masked man who stole CCTV cameras from a Port Pirie business last week.
Moments before the cameras were disconnected, they captured images of the disguised figure wearing a hooded jumper at about 12.30am on Monday, October 25.
CCTV cameras, a sensor light and three roller trays were stolen from the business at the business at Esmond Road.
The man was wearing a distinctive black and orange jumper with yellow writing on the top right shoulder.
If you recognises the man or have any information that may assist please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report on line at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
TRAFFIC WOES AT HOVE
Roadworks and issues with boom gates have caused traffic to bank up at the Hove level crossing on Brighton Road.
Traffic is down to one lane going through the intersection, and a long line of cars is waiting to pass through from the southern suburbs.
Several traffic workers are at the scene.
L-PLATER CAUGHT DRINK DRIVING
A young woman has lost her licence after she was allegedly caught drink driving west of the city on Monday morning.
Just before 3.20am, police stopped a Toyota Yaris on Torrens Road at Croydon and breath tested the driver.
She returned a positive blood alcohol reading of 0.173, and checks revealed she held only a learners permit.
The 23-year-old woman, from Seaton, was driving alone, and she was not displaying plates or carrying her permit.
She was reported for drink driving, two counts of contravening a condition of a learners permit, and failing to produce a permit or display plates.
The woman will be summonsed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31
ELDERLY MAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN HIT-RUN
An elderly man has been seriously injured in a hit-run crash at Port Adelaide.
Police were called to Francis St at 3.25pm on Sunday after reports of a 88-year-old man had been hit by a silver mid-2000s Holden Commodore sedan.
The car then drove away from the scene and was last seen heading west over the Diver Derrick Bridge.
Its registration is believed to begin with XPD or similar, police said. The driver is described as caucasian man, aged in his mid to late 20s and not wearing a shirt.
The elderly man, from Queenstown, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a serious condition.
HORSE DIES AFTER FALLING OFF TRAILER
A horse died after coming off the back of a trailer being towed on the South Eastern Freeway.
The incident was reported to police just after noon on Sunday and the up-track was closed to traffic at Stirling for about 30 minutes. Police and a vet attended the scene.
A friend of the horse’s owner told The Advertiser the male horse died soon after the fall. “The horse was very loved and this has left his owner devastated,” said the friend, asking people to refrain from making judgments.
“The owner is heartbroken by what has happened and it’s a tragic accident that’s left him in shock. He loves his horses and they are very well cared for, so this has hit him very hard.”
Social media posts show the vehicle was towing what appeared to be a livestock trailer, raising concerns from fellow motorists at the scene.
One Facebook user said: “A horse should never have been travelling in that – it’s a cattle trailer.
CHEMIST HELD UP AT SALISBURY NORTH
A worker was held at gunpoint in a terrifying chemist robbery at Salisbury North.
The man entered the chemist on Bagster Rd bout 10.20am Sunday and produced a firearm, demanding staff hand over a small amount of money before he left on foot.
He was last seen walking south east on Shrewton Court.
The suspect is described as caucasian, 188cm tall with a slim build. He was wearing a beige hooded-jumper with a tea towel over his face, dark grey pants and black shoes.
He was also wearing a black cross body bag that contained a possible firearm wrapped in material.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
SMOKE BILLOWS IN HILLCREST HOUSE FIRE
A home has been destroyed in a blaze at Hillcrest.
The fire broke out about 1.30pm Sunday on Burdekin Ave, and took a number of crews an hour to contain.
The a damage bill was estimated at $400,000.
The cause is unknown.
SUSPICIOUS FIRE AT NORTH PLYMPTON
Police believe an arsonist was responsible for a house fire that caused traffic disruptions on a major southern suburbs thoroughfare.
The abandoned house was reported alight about 6pm on Saturday on Marion Rd at North Plympton.
Fire crews with the assistance of hazmat equipment attended and contained the blaze within half an hour, but the fire destroyed most of the home.
The damage bill was set at $150,000.
The northbound lane of Marion Rd was restricted while crews contained the blaze.
Fire cause investigators attended the scene and believe the fire was deliberately lit.
Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police launch super taskforce to combat street gangs’ violent crimes
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has announced a new youth and street gangs taskforce, as well as major boost in numbers to combat DV incidents, shoplifting, and cybercrime.
‘Coward’ ex-bikie facing 27th jail term for sickening attack
A defenceless mum attacked in the doorway of her home by a former bikie says the violent thug could have killed her if he’d taken one more kick.