A man will face court today charged with property and drugs offences after a rental vehicle was allegedly stolen in the state’s south earlier this week.
On Tuesday (15 November 2022), police received reports a rental vehicle had not been returned the day prior.
Following inquiries, officers attached to Murray River Police District’s Traffic and Highway Patrol Command saw the vehicle – a white Suzuki Beleno – being parked on Yellow Gum Way, Thurgoona about 3.20pm yesterday (Thursday 17 November 2022).
The driver allegedly fled on foot through several yards on Sugar Gum Way, however, was arrested a short time later.
Police will allege that the 28-year-old man was in possession of car keys and methylamphetamine. Officers located a key to a tractor inside the car, also believed to have been stolen.
The man was subject to a roadside drug test, allegedly returning a positive detection.
The man was taken to Albury Police Station where he underwent a secondary oral fluid test, allegedly returning a positive reading to methylamphetamine; the results of which will undergo further analysis.
He was charged with six offences:
- Aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle – armed with weapon,
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner,
- Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse,
- Possess prohibited drug,
- Goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle), and,
- Drive while licence cancelled – second offence.
Three outstanding arrest warrants for traffic and bail offences were also executed.
The Wodonga man was refused bail to appear in Albury Local Court today (Friday 18 November 2022).
