19-year-old dies days after Bridgewater motorbike crash
The young man who suffered critical injuries from a motorbike crash has tragically died.
Tasmania
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Young rider dead after serious crash
December 20, 12.50pm: A 19-year-old man has lost his life nearly a week after suffering critical injuries in a head-on collision.
Police confirmed the crash on Killarney Rd, Bridgewater — that occurred last Friday evening — turned fatal today.
It’s understood the young man was riding an off-road motorbike when he collided with a teenager riding a motorised push bike in the opposite directions.
The other rider sustained minor injuries.
Police say investigations remain ongoing and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone with information or relevant dashcam or CCTV footage who hasn’t already spoken to police, should call 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania.
Information can be provided anonymously.
12.20pm: Police confirmed a 19-year-old man was in a critical condition after crash in Bridgewater on Friday evening.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Killarney Road at 7.25pm last night.
Acting Inspector Renee Oates told a press conference early investigations showed the man was riding an off-road motorbike when it crashed head on into a motorised push bike.
“Both male riders were taken to hospital,” she said.
“A youth sustained minor injuries, however a 19-year-old male has sustained significant injuries and is in a critical condition.”
The road was closed for two hours while crash investigators examined the scene.
Acting Inspector Oates said traffic conditions were clear at the time of the crash, and police were still investigating whether the off-road motorbike was allowed to be on the main road.
Police did not confirm whether the pushbike was retro-fitted with an engine.
In August, the government banned the use of bikes retrofitted with engines, with transport minister Eric Abetz saying they impacted amenity and put people at risk.
“The motors tend to be of poor quality and the bikes don’t have the stability or adequate brake capacity to handle the high speeds,” he said.
“Unlike other motorised vehicles that are regulated, these bicycles have not been subjected to any sort of safety standard.”
The new legislation saw them classified as motor vehicles, meaning they were still able to be ridden on-road by a licensed motorbike rider.
But Acting Inspector Oates urged all Tasmanians to take precautions ahead of the Christmas period when riding on the roads.
“The off-road rider was wearing a helmet, but we would always like to remind if you are riding motorcycles or e-bikes that you are wearing appropriate safety equipment,” she said.
“Operation Safe Arrival will be launching next week, and there will be an even higher police presence through the community to make sure we assist the public in minimising any future risks like this.”
December 14, 6.30am: Investigations continue into a serious crash that injured two young riders on Killarney Rd, Bridgewater on Friday evening.
Emergency services responded to reports of the incident — involving an off-road motorbike and a motorised push bike — about 7.25pm.
Officers believe the two bikes collided head-on from early investigations.
Both male riders were rushed to hospital. A teenager sustained minor injuries, while a 19-year-old was more seriously injured.
Crash investigators examined the scene and conducted inquires, which closed the road for two hours.
Officers thanked the community for their patience during that time.
Tasmania Police urged anyone with information or footage of the crash to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers.
Charges laid after Metro driver assault
December 16, 9am: Two youths from northern Tasmania will appear in court on Monday after they were apprehended and charged with an alleged assault on a Metro bus driver.
Tasmania Police charged the pair – a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old – on Sunday after the alleged assault occurred on Friday evening.
Police state the youths allegedly assaulted the bus driver at Mowbray Hill after the driver stopped the bus and asked the pair to get off because they were drinking alcohol.
Police report the youths then punched and kicked the driver and began “hitting him with a broken bottle”.
The driver received a cut to his eye and was taken to the Launceston General Hospital.
Police shoplifting crackdown results in 12 arrests
December 15, 9.42am: Tasmania Police have laid charges against 12 alleged shoplifters since December 1 as Western District officers begin a crackdown into retail theft in the lead-up to Christmas.
A 15-year-old youth was arrested and charged last Friday with eight counts of shoplifting-related offences, alleged to have stolen a range of items from several retail outlets over recent weeks.
Devonport Police officers then on Saturday arrested and charged a 19-year-old female with stealing following an incident at a local store.
Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Luke Negri said officers would remain vigilant throughout the festive season.
“If you shoplift, expect to be apprehended, arrested, and held to account. This behaviour is unacceptable,” he said.
“Tasmania Police are committed to tackling shoplifting offences, particularly during the busy festive season.
“These arrests send a clear message that this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We understand the pressures retailers face at this time of year, and we’re increasing our presence in and around shopping precincts to deter theft and provide reassurance to businesses and shoppers alike.”
This crackdown is part of the broader Operation Swipe, a statewide initiative by Tasmania Police focusing on “preventing shoplifting and holding offenders to account”.
Tasmanians can expect to see an increased police presence as more foot and vehicle patrols take place around retail areas.
“This enhanced visibility is part of our proactive approach to preventing crime and ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday period for everyone,” Acting Inspector Negri said.
Tasmania Police urge anyone with information about shoplifting or other criminal activity to contact police directly on 131 444 for non-urgent matters or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at 1800 333 000.
Man injured after diving into Cataract Basin
December 13: A man aged in his 20s was seriously injured after diving into Launceston’s Cataract Basin on Friday.
Police thanked members of the public who provided help to the injured man.
A police spokesperson said first responders were “extremely appreciative” of the help provided by those who witnessed the incident.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 4.45pm
The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries but is believed to be in a stable condition.
Police amping up presence for festive period
2.40pm: A road blitz across northwest Tasmania has resulted in a “disappointing” outcome, with police saying 50 infringements were detected.
The outcome has led to a warning of increase patrols and traffic operations as the festive season approaches.
Inspector Adam Spencer said more police on the streets ensured everyone using the roads remained safe over the festive season.
The targeted patrols in Smithton, Burnie, Ulverstone, Penguin, Forth and Devonport resulted in 50 detections of unsafe behaviour in a single day, he said — which included speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone, unlicensed driving and unregistered vehicle offences.
“Seven of the speeding offences occurred in school zones which is unacceptable,” he said.
“The potential death or serious injury of a child is heartbreaking and can be avoided if motorists obey speed limits and prioritise safety.
“Four P-platers were among those caught speeding which will result in suspension of their licences.
“A 19-year-old East Devonport man was detected driving 32kph over the limit and an 18-year-old Smithton man was caught 29kph over the limit.
“We will continue to focus on road safety until road users comply and stop endangering others.
“Our officers will be vigilant throughout the festive season. Think twice before engaging in unsafe driving practices.”
Charges laid after alleged Bridgewater shooting
11.40am: A 30-year-old Gagebrook man faces multiple charges after an alleged shooting altercation at Bridgewater on Tuesday night.
The man has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, causing grievous bodily harm, wounding, possess a firearm without the appropriate licence, recklessly discharge a firearm and trafficking controlled substance (minor offence).
The man is set to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.
Police say they’re still investigating the incident.
On Wednesday, police arrested the man following the alleged firearms incident, where emergency services were called to a home on Finlay St after two men were injured.
Police reported at that time one man had been treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wound and another man for a head injury, that was also non-life-threatening.
The incident sparked a manhunt in the greater Bridgewater area that continued into Wednesday morning.
Fire in shopping plaza forces evacuation, teens charged
Update, 9.50am: Police have charged two teenagers they believe are responsible for two Kingston fires on Wednesday night.
Officers allege the youths set fire to vegetation in John St, Kingston — located behind the plaza — about 6pm.
It is then alleged the duo ignited a blaze inside Coles Kingston, where a shopping trolley carrying empty cardboard boxes burned.
Police say the smoke damage inflicted on the store was estimated to cost $25,000 and $75,000. The incident led to the store being evacuated and closed.
Kingston Police arrested the teenagers — a 12 and 15 year olds — and they were interviewed by Hobart CIB, police say.
The suspects have been charged with offences including unlawfully set fire to property and to vegetation.
They have been given conditional bail to appear in Youth Justice Court at a later date.
December 12, 8am: A burning shopping trolley carrying empty cardboard boxes triggered a mass evacuation of Coles, Kingston Plaza on Wednesday evening.
Emergency services responded to the incident, including fire fighters from Kingston and Hobart.
Authorities were alerted to the situation after a fire alarm was set off and confirmed it wasn’t a false alarm.
TFS spokesperson said the store was smoke logged and on further investigation it was discovered a shopping trolley had been set on fire.
Police said several youths believed to be involved were assisting officers with their inquiries.
Man shot, another received head injuries in altercation: Police
Update, 1.35pm: Officers have made an arrest following an alleged firearm incident in Bridgewater on Tuesday night.
Police said a 30-year-old Gagebrook man was taken into custody following a targeted police operation.
Specialist units within Tasmania Police were involved in the arrest of the man on Terry, St around 11.20am.
The alleged altercation left one man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, and another with a head injury.
8am: Investigations continue into an altercation at a Bridgewater home.
Officers say they responded to triple-0 reports that two men had been injured at a home on Finlay St.
Police say one man was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and another man for a non-life-threatening head injury.
The incident sparked a manhunt in the greater Bridgewater area on Tuesday night.
Police say they were searching for two alleged offenders who were believed to have let the scene in a white ute.
Police believe it was a targeted incident.
Police lay charges over imitation firearms and a homemade weapon
1.35pm: Police reportedly seized two imitation firearms and a homemade firearm during two separate searches in the past week.
Two men have since been charged.
One, a 55-year-old Devonport man, was charged after a specialist taskforce allegedly found and seized two gel blasters and a quantity of drugs on Friday, December 6.
He was bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court in February.
The second incident — resulting in the arrest of a 36-year-old East Devonport man — was charged after the same taskforce, Taskforce Scelus, intercepted and searched a vehicle in December two days later.
During the search, police say they found and seized a homemade handgun.
The man was charged with firearm and drug-related offences and has been bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court in February.
Police allegedly seize cash, meth, weed and ammo in raid
December 11, 11.45am: Officers say they arrested a man who was intercepted while riding an electric scooter on Don Rd, Devonport just before 3pm on Tuesday.
Police allege finding and seizing a quantity of cash believed to be proceeds of crime, as well as a gardening hook.
The incident sparked a subsequent raid of a Devonport home, where officers say they seized methamphetamine, cannabis, ammunition and a significant quantity of property believed to have been stolen.
The 43-year-old Devonport man has been charged with multiple drug-related offences, as well as possessing a dangerous article in a public place, and possessing property suspected of being proceeds of crime and property suspected of being stolen.
A 37-year-old Devonport woman was also arrested and charged with minor drug offences.
Both have been bailed to appear in court in February.
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