Two teenagers have been charged with aggravated robbery following an incident in which a man was allegedly dragged onto a busy Darwin road before the suspects stole his car.
Northern Territory Police allege the 14-year-old boy and 17-year-old girl later used the stolen vehicle in a series of ram raids across the city during the early hours of Saturday morning.
The teenagers are now facing over 20 combined charges, including aggravated robbery, property damage, drink driving, and breaching bail conditions.
In a statement, NT Police revealed a warrant had already been issued for the boy’s arrest after he allegedly removed his electronic monitoring device and fled court the day before the incident.
The events reportedly began around 1:35am at a BP service station on Bagot Road in Coconut Grove. Police allege the male teen grabbed the victim from behind and demanded his car keys, resulting in a struggle.
“During the confrontation, the victim was dragged towards Bagot Road and came dangerously close to being hit by a passing car,” police said.
The teens then allegedly brandished a knife, prompting the victim to surrender his keys. The pair then fled the scene in his Toyota Camry.
The stolen car was allegedly involved in a crime spree that caused extensive property damage. Police allege that shortly after the theft, the vehicle was used to ram through fire exit doors at a business in Eaton, where the suspects stole alcohol.
They then allegedly targeted a convenience store at Darwin Waterfront, using the vehicle to ram the storefront and steal cigarettes before fleeing.
CCTV from the convenience store captured the moment the car crashed into the premises.
Roughly two hours after the vehicle was reported stolen, Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit located it in Coconut Grove. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it failed to stop and a pursuit followed through Millner and back to Coconut Grove.
The suspects allegedly abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee on foot but were quickly captured by police.
“A short foot chase ensued, and both youths were taken into custody without further incident,” authorities said.
Both teenagers are scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court on Monday.
