Northern Territory Police have charged a man after an incident in Palmerston last week.
Around 9:20am on Friday, police received reports that a Toyota Hilux Utility was stolen from Victoria Drive while its owner was working nearby.
The owner immediately reported the theft to police and supplied police with its tracking data. The vehicle was reported driving dangerously throughout Palmerston by multiple members of the community.
Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit tracked the vehicle to Berry Springs, where it was located near Tumbling Waters. The 32-year-old driver was allegedly in the process of removing identifying features including number plates and stickers.
A co-ordinated effort ensured a cordon was quickly established to prevent the offender from escaping in the vehicle.
As police moved in, the offender fled on foot and after a brief chase through bushland he was apprehended by Patrol Dog Wedge and taken into custody.
Upon a search of his person, the man was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and ammunition. A further search of the vehicle located a firearm and further ammunition.
He has since been charged with:
Driving, Using/Riding Motor Vehicle Without Consent
Damage to Property
Possess / Use Firearm Whilst Unlicensed
Possess Ammunition Without License
Possess Thing to Administer Drug
Drive a Motor Vehicle While Unlicensed
He was further remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
Senior Sergeant Meacham King said “ The quick apprehension by PD Wedge has potentially averted a more serious incident from unfolding with an erratic individual and a loaded firearm”
“ I commend the co-ordination by Strike Force Trident members and particularly PD Wedge and his handler who have tracked through difficult terrain in inclement weather to apprehend this offender.
“ Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit are a very effective team and this arrest is again further testament to that working relationship.”