Alleged dangerous driver granted bail over car chase, gun seizure

A man accused of leading police on a car chase before being found hiding in a backyard cubby house is also alleged to have possessed a sawn-off shotgun and replica handgun.

Reece Anthony Salcedo, 27, spent over three months in custody after his arrest before he was granted bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday (27 November) despite the prosecution’s concerns.

It has been alleged that when police tried to make a car stop on 15 August 2024, its driver took off. This allegedly led to a police chase in which the driver was seen driving dangerously, including going through a red light and over median strips in Tuggeranong.

It is also alleged that during the pursuit, the driver threw a backpack out of the car’s window. Police claim a replica pistol and a sawn-off shotgun were later found in the bag.

After the chase, police allege Salcedo was found near the car, hiding in a cubby house.

He was accused of being the driver and was charged with failing to stop for police, dangerous driving and two counts of the unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm.

He pleaded not guilty, spent several months in custody and applied for bail on Wednesday.

His solicitor, Tom Taylor of Hugo Law Group, attacked the prosecution’s case, saying while there was an allegation that a bag with a gun had been thrown out of the car when tested, the gun didn’t contain his client’s DNA.

Mr Taylor said his client had taken positive steps in his life since February 2023 and there was a plan to promote his rehabilitation if he was released from custody.

He argued his client could live under very strict bail conditions that essentially amounted to house arrest and could work five days a week at an excavation company.

The prosecutor opposed bail, alleging Salcedo hadn’t complied with the directions of police on 15 August and claimed he had shown a significant disregard for the community.

Magistrate Jane Campbell said it appeared to be quite a strong prosecution case.

However, she said while she thought there was a risk that he may commit offences on bail, she was “prepared to give him this chance”.

“He’s very fortunate that he has his father still supporting him,” she said.

Bail was granted on the conditions that he live in Gordon and remain there at all times unless he is in the company of his father or going to work.

Salcedo will fight his charges at a hearing on 24 February 2025.