Alice Springs officer injured as “cowardly” youths ram parked police vehicle

Teens seen fleeing vehicle after night of violence in Alice Springs. Read the wash-up.

Police have hit out at the “reckless, disgusting and cowardly” behaviour of a group of youths involved in a number of overnight incidents in Alice Springs on Sunday.

A police officer was injured and treated at Alice Springs Hospital after the stationary vehicle in which he was sitting was deliberately rammed by a stolen Toyota HiLux.

The Northern Territory Police force’s Strike Force Viper will investigate the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A Northern Territory Police vehicle in Alice Springs. Picture: Gera Kazakov.

Police said that at about 3.50am on Sunday the offenders allegedly stole a white Amorak and a white HiLux with registration ARW, before they unlawfully attended a residence in Braitling, where they threatened the owner with a blunt weapon before stealing alcohol and leaving the premises.

Shortly after, the offenders attempted to enter a licensed premises on Palm Circuit before leaving the venue.

As police were responding, the stolen HiLux allegedly accelerated towards a stationary police vehicle on Ross Highway, ramming it and once again fleeing the scene.

The impact of the collision was significant, resulting in a male police officer suffering an injured hand and likely concussion.

The stolen HiLux involved in the ramming remains outstanding. The injured officer was treated by St Johns Ambulance and later reviewed by Alice Springs Hospital, prior to release this morning.

The police operation continued with the stolen Amarok successfully tire spiked on Bloomfield Street, with eight to 10 youths fleeing the vehicle.

Commander James Gray-Spence said a full police investigation was now under way.

“Strike Force Viper detectives will investigate these incidents, identify the offenders and take those responsible into custody,” he said. “The offenders conduct is reckless, disgusting and cowardly.

“Thank you to the police officers who responded to these scenes overnight with extreme professionalism and dedication to duty, putting yourselves in harms way to protect the community.”

Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police on 131 444 or in an emergency dial triple-0. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Originally published as Alice Springs officer injured as “cowardly” youths ram parked police vehicle