Gang Crime Squad detectives have charged a man with 17 offences after he was apprehended yesterday, Thursday 11 January 2024.
About 1.10pm on Thursday, police sighted a stolen Mazda BT-50 utility travelling northbound on Albany Highway in Kelmscott. The vehicle had been stolen earlier in the day from Byford.
Police activated their emergency lights and sirens and it will be alleged the driver failed to stop and an evade police incident commenced. The Mazda BT-50 utility travelled through several suburbs and during the pursuit, it will be alleged the driver pointed a long arm firearm out the window and discharged the firearm on three different occasions.
It will be further alleged whilst travelling on South Western Highway, the accused was seen moving the firearm in the vehicle before discharging a round of ammunition through the rear windscreen at pursuing Police.
The accused turned onto Hines Road in North Dandalup and abandoned the Mazda BT-50 utility before stealing an Isuzu truck. During this time, the man allegedly pointed his firearm towards the Police Air Wing aircraft overhead, before continuing to evade police.
Soon after stealing the Isuzu truck, the man was intercepted by Tactical Response officers, removed from the vehicle, and arrested. He was taken to Royal Perth Hospital where he received medical treatment for minor injuries, and was subsequently charged with various offences.
The 36-year-old man from Welshpool is due to appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court today, 12 January 2024. Charges detailed on following page.
Inquiries into this incident remain ongoing, and further charges may follow.
