Townsville crime: Reckless youths ram police vehicle as more stolen cars wreak havoc
A convoy of stolen cars has been causing chaos on Townsville roads as police warn motorists to stay alert after one of their own vehicles was written off when youths deliberately rammed them.
Townsville
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A convoy of stolen cars has been causing chaos on Townsville roads as police warn motorists to stay alert after one of their own vehicles was written off when youths deliberately rammed them.
Police received reports of up to four stolen vehicles driving dangerously around the streets of Townsville on Sunday night and Monday morning.
The vehicles were seen driving erratically at high speed and running red lights.
One of the vehicles — a silver Toyota Camry — was dumped and set on fire behind the Officeworks in Hermit Park about 4am on Monday.
The other cars — two Sedans and a four-wheel-drive — remain outstanding at this stage.
Senior Sergeant Scott Warrick said police are urging motorists to take extra care while out on the road as these stolen cars remain active.
It comes after an alarming incident where a police patrol car was deliberately rammed by youths in a stolen vehicle near the Stockland shopping centre about 4am on Saturday.
Police were conducting patrols when they observed three stolen vehicles driving in convoy along Ross River Rd, Aitkenvale.
One of the stolen cars turned around, drove onto the wrong side of the road and collided into the rear of the police car.
The youths then lost control of the stolen car, abandoned it nearby and fled the scene on foot.
Sgt Warrick said fortunately no officers were injured but the patrol vehicle was written off.
“We’re very, very fortunate our police were not injured by the dangerous operation of that vehicle by these offenders,” he said.
Police are still searching for the young offenders. Investigations are ongoing.
Police said the stolen car crossed to the incorrect side of the road and drove straight towards a stationary police vehicle that was stopped at the traffic lights.
The police vehicle managed to move out of the way and the stolen vehicle lost control and struck the gutter, forcing it to come to a stop. One boy was taken into custody at the scene.
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Originally published as Townsville crime: Reckless youths ram police vehicle as more stolen cars wreak havoc
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