21 December 2023

Man charged with multiple offences following dramatic Braddon arrest

| Claire Fenwicke
police station sign

The Downer man allegedly refused to have a blood sample taken while in hospital. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.

A Downer man is scheduled to front court on multiple charges after allegedly putting the lives of pedestrians in Braddon at risk.

Police saw a silver Holden sedan driving erratically on Wednesday (20 December) afternoon before it crashed into two parked vehicles, a concrete barrier and a fence, coming to a stop in Elouera Street.

“During the incident multiple pedestrians had to jump out of the way of the poorly driven vehicle,” an ACT Policing statement said.

It’s alleged a 34-year-old man was driving, and that the sedan had been stolen earlier in the day.

Police said the man returned a positive for alcohol from a roadside screening test, and then requested medical assistance during a breath analysis procedure.

It’s alleged he refused to have a blood sample taken once he was at hospital.

READ ALSO UPDATED: Queanbeyan man dies in ‘tragic’ head-on crash near Canberra Airport

The man has been charged with refusing a blood test, driving while disqualified, two counts of breaching a good behaviour order, driving a motor vehicle without consent and negligent driving.

He’ll face the ACT Magistrates Court this morning (Thursday, 21 December).

Police have requested anyone who witnessed the incident (who hasn’t already spoken to officers) or anyone who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.

You can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference 7625514.

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