Arrests made by Operation TORIC

Operation TORIC, which targets recidivist offenders committing motor vehicle thefts, dangerous driving and other crimes in the ACT, made a further two arrests overnight, and a 35-year-old Lyneham man will face court today (Thursday, 23 March 2023).

About 5.30pm Wednesday, 22 March 2023, police conducting mobile patrols in Lyneham observed a blue Mitsubishi Outlander with stolen number plates attached. Further checks indicated that the Outlander was likely to be a stolen vehicle.

While police were following the Outlander, its driver ran a red light and drove to Dickson. Over the course of several hours, the Outlander was sighted by police in several inner-northern suburbs including Ainslie, Dickson and Reid.

About 10.30pm, police confirmed the vehicle was parked in Fernyhough Street, Lyneham and surrounded it to ensure it could not be driven away.

When officers entered the backyard of the residence the 35-year-old man who had been seen driving the Outlander was attempting to climb onto a balcony, where a woman who had also been seen in the Outlander, was standing.

During his arrest, the man allegedly threw a hatchet at police, who deployed their conducted electrical weapon.

The man was taken into custody about 11pm, and the woman was arrested about 11.15pm after she jumped from the balcony. A short time later she was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries sustained in the fall.

The man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with driving a motor vehicle without consent, using a number plate not properly issued, unlawful possession of stolen property and possessing an offensive weapon.

The 35-year-old Richardson woman will appear in court in April charged with riding in a motor vehicle without consent.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au