Teen in car chase that sidelined cop allegedly still committing crimes

One of the teens involved in a stolen car chase that led to a decorated police officer being controversially stood down is suspected of committing offences as recently as Wednesday.

Senior Sergeant Arron Ottaway

• Editor’s view: Let cops do job

One of the teens involved in a stolen car chase that led to a decorated Gold Coast police officer being controversially stood down is again wanted for questioning, suspected of committing offences just weeks after walking from court with a community service order.

Police sources say the 15-year-old serial offender, one of six teens arrested in the chase last month that led to veteran frontline officer Arron Ottaway being stood down, is wanted for questioning over more alleged crimes, including the theft of another car from a northern Gold Coast home in the early hours of Wednesday.

The near-new Mitsubishi station wagon was stolen from the garage of a Coombabah unit by two thieves, with the 15-year-old described as a “highly likely” suspect.

Sources said the boy was given 20 hours’ community service for his role in the theft of a Volkswagen, which Sen-Sgt Ottaway allegedly authorised officers to ram during a pursuit on the Gold Coast on February 1.

The 15-year-old, described in the police alert as a prolific property offender, is suspected to be part of a group of allegedly armed teens accused of going on a crime rampage in two stolen cars.

“No sooner is he back on the streets after being given another slap on the wrist by the courts that we’re looking for him again,” one frustrated officer said.

Senior Sergeant Arron Ottaway

It follows The Courier-Mail’s revelation that Sen-Sgt Ottaway was stood down for defying an order to stop last month’s chase after a senior officer refused overtime.

The disciplinary action against Sen-Sgt Ottaway has angered frontline police and was part of widespread unrest, which contributed to last week’s bombshell resignation of commissioner Katarina Carroll.

Ms Carroll told media on Thursday body-worn-camera footage from the pursuit showed standing down Sen-Sgt Ottaway was “definitely the right decision”.

Speaking on the Gold Coast on Thursday, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said: “Penny- pinching should not be a factor in pinching crime.”

He said frustrated police were telling him they could not wait to retire or leave the force.

“That is heartbreaking and police need to know that fighting crime is something we back them in doing,” he said.

“I want every single person who wears the blue uniform to know that we are serious about giving them the laws and the resources to do their job.”

Mr Crisafulli said the latest incident where paramedics on their way to an emergency were allegedly terrorised by young criminals was another sign that “enough is enough”.

“How on earth did we get to the point where ambos just trying to do their job are now becoming the target of some sort of sick and twisted game (but) that’s where it’s reached in the youth crime crisis and crime crisis in this state.

“We’ve got paramedics cowering in fear just trying to do their job.”