Townsville police are warning members of the public not to take criminal matters into their own hands after a man was charged overnight for allegedly pursuing a stolen vehicle until it crashed.
It will be alleged at around 10pm a Hyundai Santa Fe that was stolen from Aitkenvale was witnessed by a 48-year-old man being driven in a dangerous manner along McLean Street in Gulliver.
It is further alleged the man began pursuing in his own vehicle towards Palmerston Street at high speed on the wrong side of the road.
The stolen car then lost control and crashed into a power pole at Currajong while the man allegedly mounted the curb in his own vehicle in an attempt to box in the occupants.
Three juveniles fled the crashed Santa Fe and the man continued to chase them in his vehicle as they fled through a residential property.
Police attended the scene and arrested the man along with a 13-year-old boy who was located hiding under a house.
A subsequent search of the man’s vehicle uncovered a tyre iron allegedly intended for the purpose of using against car thieves.
A 48-year-old Pimlico man has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of a weapon and driving and unregistered vehicle. He is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on December 2.
A 13-year-old Bungalow boy has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass and possession of dangerous drugs.
Investigations into the matter are continuing.
Acting District Superintendent Sean Dugger said vigilantes will be treated the same as anyone else engaging in criminal activity.
“This incident could have very easily ended in tragedy,” Superintendent Dugger said.
“The actions of vigilantes not only put their own lives potentially at risk, but those of innocent members of the community.
“We understand there can be public frustration with ongoing criminal activity, but taking matters into your own hands will not be tolerated by police.
“Townsville police continue to successfully target property crime within the district and successfully bring offenders to justice.”
If you have information for police, contact by providing information using the 24hrs per day at .
You can report information about crime anonymously to , a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via 24hrs per day.
