The Northern Territory Police Force are investigating a series of alleged vehicle thefts overnight that resulted in a fatal crash in Katherine this morning.
Police received a report just before 10:30pm yesterday of an unlawful entry at a property on Zimin Drive, where a vehicle had allegedly been stolen.
It is alleged the occupants subsequently travelled to Charles Darwin University, where the stolen vehicle was abandoned before two additional vehicles were allegedly stolen.
Throughout the evening, the vehicles were observed driving erratically through the Katherine CBD. The occupants allegedly attempted to provoke police by baiting patrol vehicles and throwing objects at officers, resulting in damage to a police vehicle.
Due to the dangerous manner of driving, officers did not engage in a pursuit of the vehicle.
At around 6am this morning, one of the stolen vehicles was involved in a single-vehicle rollover on the Stuart Highway, just north of the Katherine CBD.
Emergency services attended the scene, where three 14-year-old youths were conveyed to hospital. A 16-year-old male suffered critical injuries and, despite the efforts of paramedics, was declared deceased at the scene.
A crime scene has been established, and sections of the Stuart Highway remain closed while investigations continue. Motorists should expect delays in the area throughout the morning.
Major Crash Detectives are investigating the fatal crash, with assistance from Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch and Northern Traffic Operations, and police continue inquiries into the alleged vehicle thefts and related offending.
Acting Commander Mark Grieve said the incident was both tragic and complex.
"We are investigating a significant series of offences, as well as the death of a 16-year-old male following extremely dangerous driving behaviour that placed the lives of the community at risk," Acting Commander Grieve said.
"Our investigators will work to establish the full circumstances surrounding these events, and we continue to appeal to anyone with information to come forward."
Investigations remain ongoing.
