Northern Territory Police have arrested six individuals following a dangerous and extensive pursuit of a stolen vehicle, covering over 75 kilometres and putting officers and the public at significant risk.
The operation saw seamless coordination across multiple police teams and communities, concluding in a successful apprehension with no injuries.
On 31 October, Wadeye Police officers observed a stolen Toyota Hilux being driven dangerously within the community. The vehicle posed immediate risks, driving directly at police and forcing officers to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Shortly after, the offenders allegedly threatened a community member and took his vehicle, escalating the situation further.
Later that day, the stolen vehicle was sighted attempting to refuel in Daly River, where local police intervened and pushed it out of the community. However, the offenders redirected towards Wadeye. At the request of Strike Force Trident, tactical teams, including the Dog Operations Unit, were deployed to locate the vehicle. The Hilux was eventually spotted on Dorat Road, and police initiated a pursuit towards Adelaide River.
In an effort to intercept the vehicle before it reached Darwin, police established an apprehension plan with Tyre Deflation Devices (TDD) north of Adelaide River. The offenders, however, redirected onto the Stuart Highway, prompting police to reposition a TDD location 15 kilometres south of Adelaide River, successfully deflating a rear tyre.
The pursuit intensified as the offenders attempted to ram police vehicles and tailgated a civilian vehicle, placing all nearby at risk. During the pursuit, the occupants hurled a range of improvised projectiles—including tools, car parts, and potentially dangerous items like claw hammers and a brush cutter blade—at pursuing officers, further escalating the danger.
As the pursuit continued, the Dog Operations Unit was redirected to set up TDDs along Daly River Road, where the front tyres of the stolen vehicle were successfully deflated. Despite deflated tyres, the vehicle continued at a reduced speed on rims until it was eventually forced off-road by police vehicles equipped with bull bars, bringing it to a halt approximately 75 kilometres from the initial TDD point.
In a coordinated approach, police officers surrounded the vehicle, preventing any chance of escape. With the assistance of Patrol Dog Boss, all suspects were taken into custody without further incident. Officers exercised significant restraint, bringing this extremely volatile situation to a safe and controlled conclusion.
Three youths, aged 13, 15, and 15, along with three adults, aged 18, 19, and 21, remain in custody and are scheduled to be charged later today.
While the stolen Hilux sustained severe damage, including stripped parts and extensive tyre wear, no police officers, suspects, or civilians were injured. This operation highlights the commitment, quick decision-making, and bravery displayed by NT Police in protecting the community, often under challenging and dangerous conditions.