Police drama outside Collegiate School in Hobart

UPDATE: A man accused of evading police for more than an hour across several Hobart suburbs was tackled to the ground by another driver after a dramatic crash. WATCH THE DASHCAM VIDEO

UPDATE: A CHIGWELL man accused of evading police for more than an hour across several Hobart suburbs was tackled to the ground by another driver after a dramatic crash on Davey St.

The dangerous ordeal came to a halt when the 31-year-old turned into the busy street against the flow of traffic and collided with two cars outside St Michael’s Collegiate School just before 1pm.

Detective Inspector Doug Rossiter said it was “very lucky” no one was seriously injured during the incident.

The suspect is accused of first evading police about 11.40am after the allegedly stolen silver Subaru Impreza hatch he was driving was observed in New Town.

Inspector Rossiter said the car was next sighted “driving dangerously” around Kingston about 12.15pm, before dodging police road spikes in the area, including on the Southern Outlet.

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The crashed Subaru outside Collegiate on Davey St. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The police helicopter crew then located the Subaru on Mt Nelson Rd about 12.50pm and ground units were able to successfully set up road spikes near Churchill Ave.

“The car continued to drive with damaged tyres and avoided police in the Sandy Bay area for a few minutes,” Inspector Rossiter said

“It was then seen heading along Molle St and turning into Davey St against the flow of five lanes of traffic, presenting a significant risk to the public.

“All that time, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was maintaining observation on the car and calling in ground units to help co-ordinate the operation.”

The driver, who police suspect to be a person wanted in relation to a number of serious crimes committed in recent weeks, allegedly fled the scene on foot.

“Thankfully, the civilian driver of the other vehicle also got out and gave chase to the offender and managed to tackle him in the yard of a nearby business premises,” Inspector Rossiter said.

“He was quickly supported by the ground police, who came in to execute the arrest.”

The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday.

It will be alleged he drove at high speeds, on the wrong side of the road and in a dangerous manner.

The middle two lanes of Davey St were reopened at 2.20pm after the scene was examined and cleared.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Police outside St Michael's Collegiate School. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

EARLIER: AS many as three police vehicles were seen following a silver Subaru through Sandy Bay before the pursuit ended in Davey St.

It appeared the Subaru drove the wrong way down Davey St and was involved in a crash outside St Michael’s Collegiate School.

Police closed two lanes of the busy Hobart street while they dealt with the incident.

They have since reopened the road.

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St Michael’s Collegiate School sent a text message to parents about 2pm that read: “A car accident occurred outside school on Davey St involving an incident with a member of the public and police. Everyone at School is safe.”

Hayden, who works in Sandy Bay, was heading out for lunch when he spotted several police cars travelling down Churchill Avenue towards the University of Tasmania.

“As I approached Alexander St there was a marked police car and a female officer with something that I thought was spikes rolled under her arm,” he said.

“Five minutes later, about 12.55pm, I passed two marked police cars and a third vehicle with lights on following a silver car down Grosvenor St. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was also flying overhead.

“The driver was probably only going about 60km/h.

“I don’t know if the spikes worked but the car was making a funny noise and was leaning to the left. It didn’t sound right when I drove past.”

Traffic banked up on Davey St after the incident. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Another driver, who did not want to be named, was travelling to Taroona on the Channel Highway to pick up her daughter when she first noticed a high police presence heading in the opposite direction.

“On our way back, we were on Churchill Avenue and we noticed a police helicopter hovering over the area of Red Chapel Avenue and Sandy Bay Rd,” she said

“We stopped to take a few photos because we thought it was very weird.

“When we got to the back of Hutchins at the roundabout we saw more police cars and a detective in all black with what looked like road spikes wrapped under his arm.

“When we turned up Nelson Rd there were two more police cars with lights and sirens activated. Clearly they were hunting someone, but they weren’t going fast.”

EARLIER: POLICE have closed off the two centre lanes of Davey St in Hobart’s CBD as they deal with an incident involving three vehicles.

A silver Subaru appears to have collided with a van and a ute on the busy city street outside St Michael’s Collegiate school. It appears the Subaru may have been travelling the wrong way along the one-way street.

Uniformed and plain-clothed Tasmania Police officers are at the scene and are interviewing witnesses.

Alarmed students rang their parents during the incident.

The traffic is banked up for several blocks.

Members of the public who have contacted the Mercury say a helicopter was also seen flying over the city.

More to come …