Driver allegedly had gun during incident that led to school lockdowns

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after the incident in Tuggeranong last week. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A driver accused of being involved in the incident that led to two school lockdowns last week had allegedly been spotted with a gun.

ACT Policing said officers saw a BMW hatchback, reportedly stolen from Yarralumla, allegedly driving dangerously along Mugga Lane at around 1 pm on Friday (9 August).

While the officers directed the BMW to stop, as they approached the car, it allegedly sped away, crossing to the wrong side of the road.

Shortly afterwards, police heard the BMW was conducting burnouts on the Calwell High School sports oval close to students.

“The driver of the vehicle was also reported to be holding what appeared to be a pistol,” a police spokesperson said.

The BMW was then seen in Theodore at about 1:25 pm. Police tried to deploy a tyre deflation device, but the driver of the vehicle allegedly rammed a police car in order to evade arrest.

The car stopped shortly afterwards, and police arrested two teenage boys after a short chase on foot.

A third boy was seen running through the grounds of St Francis of Assisi Primary School.

“As a precaution, both schools were placed into lockdown,” the police spokesperson said.

Police searched for the third boy over the weekend. At about 4:30 am on Sunday (11 August), police learned there had been a burglary at a home in Deakin where two vehicles were stolen, including a Volkswagen T-Roc.

Then, that night, police saw the Volkswagen allegedly speeding through Tuggeranong.

This car was found a short time later near a home in Chisholm, and a 16-year-old, alleged to be the third boy, surrendered himself to police following a short negotiation.

He was charged with failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, unlicensed driving, driving a motor vehicle at police and breaching a good behaviour order.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the reports of a firearm, and police would urge anyone with information relating to this to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 7822330,” the police spokesperson said.