Police drone records erratic driving in Alice Springs CBD, triggers pursuit

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Alice Springs after his alleged erratic driving triggered a police pursuit. Find out how Operation Drina was involved.

NT Police pursued an 18-year-old driver shortly before midnight on Thursday. Picture: Keri Megelus

An Alice Springs man was arrested after his alleged manner of driving drew police attention and a triggered a pursuit.

NT police said the 18-year-old was expected to be charged with a number of traffic offences after a police drone spotted the man allegedly doing burnouts in the CBD shortly before midnight Thursday.

NT Police said officers attempted to stop the unregistered and uninsured Ford Falcon but the man allegedly drove from police.

Police said officers deployed tyre spikes in the CBD which “significantly slowed” the sedan.

The driver is currently in custody to be charged with a number of traffic offences.

Police patrol the Todd Mall on horseback as part of Operation Drina, targeting anti-social behaviour and associated crime in Alice Springs. Picture: Jason Walls

The incident is the latest in a string of arrests since Operation Drina was established on November 23 to target anti-social behaviour.

Under the initiative, 40 police officers were deployed to Alice Springs from Darwin, Tennant Creek, the Barkly region and Southern Desert division.

In the operation’s first week, 229 litres of alcohol were destroyed, 168 people were taken into protective custody, 24 arrests were made, 21 notices to appear were issued, 29 traffic infringements were given, as well as 17 summary infringements and 13 banning notices from the Alice Springs Liquor Act declared area.

The additional police presence has been welcomed by community leaders such as Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson.

Operation Drina is scheduled to run until December 14.

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