Loser on the run

A man who fled from police custody yesterday (Tuesday, February 1) and last night crashed his car on the Cotter Road remains under guard at The Canberra Hospital.

Investigating a shoplifting incident yesterday at a car parts store in Fyshwick in which CCTV vision of the alleged offender was examined and a description of the alleged offender’s vehicle obtained, ACT Policing enquiries led them to address in Hackett where the suspect was identified and placed into custody.

The 43-year-old man at first appeared compliant with police directions but broke free, ran to his vehicle and drove quickly away, narrowly missing a police officer with his vehicle.

Police then placed an alert on the driver and his vehicle, a red Holden Commodore sedan.

Around 10.34pm yesterday, police received a report of a collision on the Cotter Road, in which the alleged offender was the driver and sole occupant. The vehicle had struck a guard rail.

The man was conveyed to The Canberra Hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.

Once medically cleared, he will be formally charged with a range of offences including theft, two counts of driving whilst disqualified, using an offensive weapon to hinder detention, resisting arrest, and escaping from custody.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]