Six children have been taken into custody after a stolen four-wheel drive was allegedly driven at high speed towards police and members of the public in Townsville this morning.
It is alleged at around 5.20am seven juveniles stole a Toyota Landcruiser Prado from a home in Kelso and were witnessed driving at high speed on the wrong side of the road and travelling through red traffic lights, forcing members of the public to take evasive action.
The vehicle continued to be driven at high speed through Townsville, allegedly attempting to ram a number of police cars.
Police deployed a tyre deflation device on Beck Drive at Condon, however the Landcruiser swerved around the spikes and subsequently crashed into a tree.
A marked police vehicle lost control during the incident and struck a power pole, resulting in head and spinal injuries to the male officer driving and back injuries to the female passenger.
Both officers were treated at the scene before being transported to Townsville University Hospital.
The alleged occupants of the vehicle, three boys aged 17, 16 and 14 and three girls aged 15, 13, and 12 were arrested at the scene and transported to hospital for observation of minor injuries.
A seventh male juvenile was observed fleeing the scene and remains outstanding.
Police are appealing for members of the public who saw the vehicle being driven dangerously, particularly those who were forced to take evasive action, or anyone who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day or call 1800 333 000.
