Teshawn Marquin Owens, 19, sentenced in Cairns Magistrates Court for dramatic stolen car chase

An 18-year-old who carjacked a BMW stopped at a service station and led police on a dangerous afternoon high speed chase was on parole, a probation order and bail at the time. SEE THE VIDEO

A teenager carjacked a BMW stopped at a service station and led police on a dangerous afternoon high speed chase through the streets of Mareeba that only came to an end when he was wedged in by three police vehicles on a bridge, a Cairns court has heard.

Teshawn Marquin Owens, 19, pleaded guilty in Cairns Magistrates Court to 11 charges, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and wilful damage for the two-hour rampage, as well as other car thefts.

Police prosecutor Rhys Birkensleigh told the court that Owens, then 18, was on parole, a probation order and bail at the time of the dramatic chase.

The court heard the teenager had an extensive criminal history.

CCTV, police dashcam and body-worn camera footage showed the victim putting air into the tyres of his BMW X6 when Owens and another youth approached.

Owens jumped into the driver’s seat and drove away before his accomplice could enter the vehicle, with the owner initially jumping into the passenger seat before leaping from the moving car.

Police footage captured the BMW driving erratically through suburban streets, reaching speeds over 135km/h, travelling on the wrong side of the road and forcing other drivers to take evasive action.

The chase ended when the vehicle was trapped on a bridge by three police vehicles.

Body-camera footage showed the driver still attempting to escape, ramming police vehicles multiple times despite being immobilised.

Officers smashed the driver’s window before dragging Owens out and arresting him.

Teshawn Marquin Owens was dramatically arrested in Mareeba after he was caught driving a stolen car.

Magistrate Jakub Lodziak commended police for their response.
“The work they do every day, putting themselves in danger is just remarkable,” he said.

Owens’ lawyer, Hayley Fox, told the court he had experienced a difficult childhood, suffering from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, ADHD and an intellectual disability.

She acknowledged it was “juvenile-type offending with no reason or excuse”.

Owens also faced re-sentencing on 23 previous charges, including additional stolen vehicles and break-ins, as well as an incident where he observed a woman and children sleeping before stealing car keys.

Mr Lodziak said he had to weigh the man’s disadvantaged background against his dangerous conduct.

“You have put the lives of multiple people at risk. It is a miracle that there wasn’t a serious accident,” he said.

“This offending is also likely to bring the public’s blood to boil.”

Owens was sentenced to a further two years and eight months’ imprisonment, to be served after his current sentence, meaning he could remain in custody until November 2028.

Originally published as Teshawn Marquin Owens, 19, sentenced in Cairns Magistrates Court for dramatic stolen car chase