Northern Territory Police are calling for information in relation to a stolen motor vehicle and dangerous driving incident that occurred in Alice Springs overnight.
Around 10pm, a burglary occurred at a residence on Lyndavale Drive in Larapinta, resulting in a Ford Ranger being stolen. The residence was unoccupied during the incident.
Around 2.30am, the Ranger allegedly pursued a taxi on South Terrace towards the Tom Brown roundabout. The vehicle allegedly collided with the back of the taxi, causing it to spin, before colliding with the side of the taxi causing significant damage. The driver was uninjured.
The Ranger fled the scene and was sighted at 2.40am approaching a second taxi parked at the Alice Springs Hospital. A male youth offender allegedly exited the vehicle armed with a blunt weapon and threatened the driver, stealing cash before returning to the Ranger and fleeing the scene.
At 2.50am, the Ranger allegedly pursued and rammed a third taxi in a car park on Barrett Drive, causing significant damage. The driver was uninjured, and the Ranger fled the scene.
At 3.10am, the Ranger has allegedly pursued the second taxi again, subsequently colliding with it on the corner of Albrecht Drive and Lyndavale Drive. The taxi driver has attempted to flee the area, however due to damage to the taxi, was forced to pull over. An unknown number of youth offenders allegedly exited the vehicle, one armed with a blunt weapon, and demanded money. They allegedly stole the taxi driver's wallet before fleeing the area in the Ranger.
At 3.20am, the Ranger was located abandoned near Albrecht Drive in Araluen and has been seized.
All unknown offenders remain outstanding.
Police urge anyone with information, including dash cam or CCTV footage, to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP24000120951. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
