NT Police lay charges on man who allegedly rammed vehicle into Todd Tavern before appearing to douse himself in petrol
Police have charged a man who allegedly crashed his car into a popular NT pub, causing extensive damage | Video.
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UPDATE: A 34-year-old man who allegedly drove his car into the Todd Tavern in Alice Springs last week has been charged.
The alleged incident caused extensive damage to the tavern.
Police also allege the man attempted to assault an employee.
He was arrested by police at the scene and was later charged with aggravated assault, damage to property, recklessly endangering serious harm, drive an uninsured motor vehicle, drive an unregistered motor vehicle, drive a motor vehicle while unlicensed and drive a vehicle in a dangerous manner.
He has been remanded to appear before Alice Springs Local Court on October 7.
EARLIER: NT Police have arrested a man who appears to have doused himself in petrol after allegedly ramming a vehicle into the Todd Tavern in Alice Springs.
The 34-year-old man was arrested in the CBD Thursday morning after he allegedly fled the scene.
Police said they received reports of an incident following an altercation inside the tavern around 11.30am Thursday, where a male was asked to leave the premises.
“Shortly thereafter, a number of people exited the licenced premises, and then the male was observed to go into the rear of his vehicle, and poured a 20L fuel container – and poured the contents over himself … and went out into the middle of the road,” Superintendent Antony Deutrom said.
“A number of other passer-bys and some people possibly affiliated to this male then moved across the road and into another vehicle and left the scene.
“Shortly thereafter police identified the vehicle that left the scene and a 34-year-old male was arrested in the Alice Springs CBD.”
Police said initial investigations suggest no injuries were sustained, however the alleged offender was taken to Alice Springs Hospital for an assessment, before being taken back to the watch-house.
No charges had yet been laid and investigations were ongoing on Thursday evening.
The incident comes two days after a driver rampaged through the Coles Alice Springs car park injuring a woman in her 60s and damaging at least six vehicles.
Superintendent Deutrom said both these incidents were “concerning” from a safety perspective, but the public should find some solace in law enforcement’s response.
“They both occurred during the day, there are large numbers of members of the public and workers in the area,” he said.
“The public is right to be alarmed by these incidents, but should be comforted by the fact that NT Police have reacted swiftly.
“Both male offenders were arrested shortly thereafter the alleged incidents occurred, and both remain in police custody.”
He said despite negative “public commentary”, Alice Springs is not as unsafe as it’s made out to be.
“By and large, it’s a relatively safe place to be,” he said.
“People need to be aware of their surrounds, but more recently, police actions and operations have led to timely arrests and apprehensions, where people choose to break the law.”
Independent MLA Robyn Lambley described the incident as “more of the same the story”.
“Police need to jump on top of unlicensed drivers, unregistered cars, unroadworthy cars, and people drink and drug driving,” she said.
PREVIOUSLY: NT Police have arrested a man after he allegedly rammed a vehicle into the Todd Tavern in Alice Springs.
Patrons at the venue had to take “evasive action” to avoid injury, a police spokesman said.
The roads surrounding the premises have been closed while police investigate. Traffic is being diverted.
Police have urged drivers in the area to slow down and give way to emergency crews on scene.
They asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact police on 131 444.
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