Townsville police condemn vigilantism after high-speed chase

The 48-year-old pursued the Hyundai in his own Ford Falcon, driving at dangerously high speeds and ignoring road rules, Superintendent Dugger said.

“[He] engaged in the dangerous operation of his own vehicle,” he said. “He crossed over to the incorrect side of the road and through stop signs and the like.”

The stolen Hyundai failed to navigate a corner and crashed into a power pole, damaging the electricity network.

When the man then tried to box in the stolen car, the three occupants abandoned it and ran into the yard of a nearby house.

“Of concern is the male person has chased the three occupants of the stolen vehicle, when they were on foot, with his vehicle,” Superintendent Dugger said.

“Police have been contacted and have actually located a 13-year-old Bungalow boy hiding underneath the house.”

The two other occupants of the Hyundai have not been found.

Superintendent Dugger said the 48-year-old was arrested on charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon, and driving an unregistered vehicle.

“Our message is leave the policing to the police,” he said. “This sort of activity people will actually argue on the pretext that it’s in the community safety, when these types of actions actually cause more damage to the community.”

Superintendent Dugger said the power-pole crash could have been a tragedy.

“[The 48-year-old man’s] involvement in the matter has actually precipitated the accident into the power pole. Had he not been involved in the matter … and contacted police, we wouldn’t be standing here talking today.”

Superintendent Dugger said it would be alleged the man was in the area actively looking for stolen vehicles.

No-one was seriously injured in the incident.

The 13-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass, and possession of dangerous drugs.

The 48-year-old is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on December 2.

An investigation is continuing.