AFP Professional Standards is investigating the discharge of a police firearm by an officer during an incident involving the attempted interception of a stolen car on Northbourne Avenue July 31, 2009 around 5pm.
The incident began when a purple Holden Commodore had been reported stolen around 3.20pm from a residence in Gungahlin.
Police in an unmarked car identified the stolen car stopped in traffic at traffic lights at the corner of Northbourne Ave and Macarthur St around 5.05pm. The police car was in an adjacent lane to the stolen car.
Police activated their emergency lights, left their vehicle, approached the stolen car on foot and identified themselves in an attempt to apprehend the two males in the car. The stolen vehicle has then reversed suddenly and collided with the car behind it. An officer then drew his firearm and gave repeated directions to the driver to stop.
The stolen car has then swerved onto the median strip and struck the police officer.
At this time, the police officer’s firearm discharged once. This matter is now the subject of an AFP Professional Standards investigation which is standard practice when any firearm is discharged. The police officer was not seriously injured and did not require medical treatment. No other persons were injured.
Other police vehicles then pursued the stolen car for a short time to Westgarth St, O’Connor, where the driver abandoned the car and fled on foot. He is still sought by police.
A 29-year-old Hawker man was stopped and questioned by police in a nearby street a short time later. He was arrested and charged with riding in a stolen vehicle without consent. He has been bailed to appear on a later date.
AFP’s Professional Standards is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discharge of a firearm by an officer in the line of duty. Any persons who has any information in relation to the driver of the stolen vehicle or who witnessed the incident on Northbourne Ave and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers
Anybody with any information about this crime or any other crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Report Crime Online.