NT Police say a car that drove over tyre spikes not intended for it was driving dangerously

NT Police say a car which drove over tyre spikes not intended for the vehicle – causing it to crash and the driver be hospitalised – was in fact posing a risk to the community.

IN a tale of serendipity, Northern Territory Police say a car which drove over tyre spikes not intended for it – causing the vehicle to crash and the driver be hospitalised – was in fact driving in a dangerous manner and posing a risk to the community.

The bizarre explanation was provided following reports by two probationary police officers in Alice Springs used tyre spikes on the wrong car in a bungled operation on October 19.

Superintendent Antony Deutrom told the NT News a stolen car being targeted was successfully stopped, but a second vehicle unrelated to the operation also allegedly drove over the tyre spikes.

“Northern Territory Police were conducting a targeted operation to stop a stolen motor vehicle, which was observed driving in the Alice Springs CBD,” he said.

“A tyre deflation device was deployed and resulted in the stolen vehicle being recovered and a male driver being arrested at the scene.

“During this operation, a second vehicle, unrelated to the operation, is alleged to have driven, also in a dangerous manner and at speed over a tyre deflation device before colliding with a street sign and coming to a stop.”

Road Policing Superintendent Daniel Shean demonstrates the Stinger tire deflation device, recently rolled out to NT Police officers on the front line.

Superintendent Deutrom said the second vehicle to drive over the spikes – causing the vehicle to crash – was also driving dangerously.

“This vehicle also posed a high risk to the safety of the community due to the manner in which it was being driven,” he said.

“Indications are that alcohol was a significant contributing factor, and the driver was taken to the Alice Springs Hospital as per protocol following any traffic crash.

“This matter is still under investigation pending toxicology results.”