Police arrested three young males at Dee Why following a dramatic chase that ended in a crash.
Just before 8.30pm yesterday evening (Thursday, 18 July), NSW Police were notified of a car driving dangerously at Pittwater Road, Collaroy. The car was observed by the Northern Beaches Advocate turning out of Anzac Avenue, Collaroy, onto Pittwater Road, where it mounted the curb and continued at speed towards Dee Why (video below).
Moments later, officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command who were travelling on Pittwater Road, Dee Why, spotted the white 2001 Toyota Camry allegedly speeding. The driver of the vehicle was directed to stop but failed to do so, and police initiated a pursuit.
They followed the Toyota along Dee Why Parade, Dee Why, where members of the public called police about the dangerous driving of up to an estimated 100 km/h. As the Toyota sped into the Dee Why beach car park, it braked heavily, slamming into a parked Toyota Hilux, which was unoccupied.
The force of the impact set off airbags in the Camry and after an initial attempt to continue driving, the car hit at least one other vehicle and left a trail of engine oil through the car park (image below). Unable to drive the vehicle any further, the three male occupants of the car jumped out and fled.
One of them was a 16-year-old boy who was apprehended in front of shocked restaurant patrons nearby at The Strand, Dee Why. The non-compliant youth broke free of the officer arresting him and attempted to flee back towards the surf club, where he was apprehended again.
Police also apprehended a 19-year-old Dee Why man following a short foot pursuit, and both of them were taken to Manly Police Station. A third person believed to be an occupant of the vehicle, a 21-year-old man, was arrested nearby a short time later and also taken to Manly Police Station.
The damaged vehicles were towed from the scene, with the Camry taken to the impound yard at Mona Vale Police Station. At the time of the incident, the car was not reported stolen. Evidence of alcohol consumption was observed in the vehicle before it was seized by police.
The 21-year-old man was released from police custody without charge, but the 19-year-old man, who was the alleged driver of the vehicle, was charged with police pursuit, drive manner dangerous, proceed through red light, drive while unlicensed and breach of bail. The 16-year-old boy was charged with hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.
NSW Ambulance paramedics, including a NSW Ambulance Inspector, were called to Manly Police Station to assess the 19-year-old and 16-year-old. The 19-year-old was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for treatment of a chest injury, believed to have been sustained in the collision.
Both teens were refused bail, with the older teen appearing before Manly Local Court today (Friday, 19 July 2024) and the younger teen appearing before a Children’s Court today.
NSW Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and request anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Images: Luke Gavahan, Northern Beaches Advocate
Video: Northern Beaches Advocate
NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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