22 July 2021

Drivers urged to avoid roads near alleged attempted triple murder scene

| Kim Treasure
Start the conversation
Police investigators at the Lady Denman Drive off-ramp

Police investigators at the Lady Denman Drive off-ramp as part of investigations into an alleged attempted murder. Photo: Damien Larkins.

Motorists are being asked to avoid roads near the National Arboretum from 12:00 noon today (22 July) as police continue their investigations into an alleged attempted triple murder.

A Canberra man is accused of driving into three police officers on Sunday, 11 July, including two who had just started their careers. One officer was trapped under the car.

Thomas Matthews, 30, of Hawker, has been arrested over the incident and charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of driving at police and one count of culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm.

READ ALSO Three police officers hit by car, man charged with attempted murder

ACT Policing said the officers were conducting a routine traffic stop near the National Arboretum at about 2:50 pm at the intersection of Forest and Lady Denman drives when the incident happened.

Specialist technical investigators will be conducting measurements and scanning the scene this afternoon to assist with the investigation into the incident.

The off-ramps leading to Lady Denman Drive from both the north and southbound lanes of the Tuggeranong Parkway will be affected, as will other roads around that location.

READ ALSO Anxious Gungahlin waits on police station study

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm and to slow down when passing police vehicles with their lights activated.

Mr Matthews remains in custody and is to appear in court again on 2 August.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.