ACT Policing has arrested seven teenagers aged 14 to 19 following a high-speed pursuit involving two stolen vehicles in Canberra on 25 June. The incident, which spanned from Gungahlin to Watson and Kingston, resulted in charges ranging from dangerous driving to assaulting police. Two individuals have been remanded in custody following appearances at the ACT Magistrates Court.
How the pursuit unfolded
According to an ACT Policing spokesperson, the incident began at approximately 8 pm on Thursday, 25 June, when officers identified a stolen Volkswagen T-Roc SUV in Gungahlin. The vehicle was tracked to a cul-de-sac in Watson, where it stopped alongside a stolen Volkswagen Golf hatchback. Police allege that when officers attempted to cordon the area, the drivers mounted a kerb, drove at an officer deploying stop-sticks, and struck a police vehicle.
A pursuit ensued for both vehicles. The stolen Golf was intercepted after a short distance, leading to the arrest of four female teenagers. Police later located the T-Roc in Kingston, where they arrested three male teenagers nearby. The seven suspects face various charges, including driving or riding in stolen motor vehicles, failing to stop for police, and driving while disqualified.
Legal consequences and bail outcomes
Six of the teenagers were scheduled to appear before the ACT Magistrates or Childrens Court on Friday, 26 June, while an 18-year-old woman is set to appear in October. In court on Friday, a 19-year-old woman was remanded in custody after she did not apply for bail; her matter is adjourned to 9 July.
An 18-year-old man, charged with offences including dangerous driving and failing to stop for police, sought bail. His lawyer, Eimear Silk of Legal Aid, argued that the defendant was dealing with personal trauma, specifically the recent overdose of a friend and the death of his mother, while also attempting to avoid his father who is currently incarcerated. Magistrate Glenn Theakston denied the bail application, stating that these factors did not constitute special or exceptional circumstances. The man was remanded in custody until 29 June.
What happens next
The legal proceedings for the teenagers are likely to continue throughout the coming months. Because several of the co-defendants are underage, the court has maintained strict reporting restrictions, and their identities remain protected. Further court dates for the group will determine the progression of their respective charges, with the 18-year-old woman’s case extending into October. Depending on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the arguments from legal counsel, the defendants could face extended periods of detention or other sentencing outcomes as the matters return to the ACT Magistrates or Childrens Court.
