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Canberra Today 12°/15° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Teen driver in speeding spree

A TEENAGE learner driver who led police on a high-speed chase through Canberra’s north early this morning will face court today.

The pursuit began about 3.10am, when Gungahlin police attempted to stop a white Mazda sedan on Gundaroo Drive in Palmerston.

Police said the pursuit traveled through several Canberra suburbs, including Palmerston, Giralang and Kaleen, and reached a maximum speed of 130km/h.

Police said the Mazda drove through a red light and on footpaths. Police lost sight of the vehicle several times, but other patrols were able to re-engage the pursuit.

A short time later the Mazda was seen by police turning into an apartment complex in Lyneham where it crashed into a carport and the driver and his passenger ran from police.

The driver, a 19-year-old Wanniassa man, was arrested on Northbourne Avenue, and was taken to City Police Station, where he returned an alcohol content reading of 0.069; as a learner driver, he was subject to 0.00.

Police will allege the two men were involved in an aggravated burglary in Phillip earlier today. Police inquiries into the identity of the second man are ongoing.

The 19-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today, charged with traffic and property offences, including drink-driving, driving a stolen motor vehicle, dangerous driving and aggravated burglary. Bail will be opposed by police.

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Ian Meikle, editor

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