Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that occurred about 9.15pm last night yesterday on Chapel Street, Glenorchy, Tasmania Police say.
Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said that in the crash, a Grey VW Golf hatch was struck from behind by a blue Holden Commodore sedan.
"Police had attempted to intercept the Holden after it was observed to be driving erratically but it evaded police. The intercept attempt was discontinued on Chapel Street prior to the crash but police were still within sight of the Holden," Mr Tilyard said.
"The Holden forced the Golf into a power pole in Chapel Street. An elderly female passenger in the Golf was injured in the crash and was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment. Thankfully, her condition is stable. Our thoughts are with this woman and her loved ones at this time and we wish her all the best for a quick recovery."
Mr Tilyard said that the incident was brief – it occurred over 800m and lasted 50 seconds. The offending blue Holden Commodore did not stop and has not been located at this time.
"It is extremely disappointing that some people deliberately and repeatedly continue to engage in dangerous driving behaviour that put people’s lives at risk," he said.
"In this case, their driving behaviour is of serious concern to us, especially given the fact that it was the offender’s erratic driving which brought the matter to our attention.
"When a vehicle is being driven at high speed in these circumstances, the vehicle is in fact a weapon.
"This reckless behaviour, which often involves attempts to provoke police into a pursuit, puts the lives of responding police officers and the offenders at risk, as well as the lives of those who inadvertently become caught up in the incident.
"We know it is a small group of people who continue to evade police. It’s particularly frustrating as it takes police a lot of work to apprehend these offenders and they continue to offend.
Mr Tilyard said that Police had protocols in place to deal with evades.
"Police always seek to provide a response that is appropriate to the situation and are mindful of our duty to protect life and property. That duty will always take precedence over the need to immediately apprehend an offending motorist who fails to stop," Mr Tilyard said.
"We will continue to follow up and charge these offenders as a matter of priority.
"The issue of evading police continues to be an ongoing and prevalent problem which requires a strategic and coordinated approach.
"Our newly established Evade Police Working Group has been tasked with exploring ways to enhance our response to the incidence of evade police.
"Their aim is to provide police with the best possible operating platform that provides the tools and options to perform their role effectively and most importantly, safely."
Given police proximity to the vehicles when the crash occurred, Professional Standards was called to the scene and is investigating the matter. Glenorchy Police is also continuing investigations in relation to the Holden.
Anyone who saw a blue Holden Commodore sedan driving in and around Glenorchy or the greater Hobart area during the evening of 28 March 2017 should contact Crime Stoppers.
