A 17-year-old male has been arrested after allegedly driving dangerously, evading police and causing a head-on collision on Tiger Brennan Drive overnight.
Around 11:20pm, members from Darwin Traffic Operations were conducting a random breath testing operation on Tiger Brennan Drive near Garramilla Boulevard when they observed a vehicle approaching the site before abruptly braking and performing a U-turn.
Police initiated a pursuit and observed the vehicle travel towards Bennett Street before conducting another U-turn at the Tiger Brennan Drive and McMinn Street intersection.
The vehicle then travelled outbound on Tiger Brennan Drive on the wrong side of the road. Due to the significant risk to public safety, the pursuit was immediately terminated.
The vehicle continued for approximately 300 to 400 metres before colliding head-on with another vehicle.
The 17-year-old driver allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot but was arrested by police following a short foot pursuit.
St John Ambulance attended and assessed the occupant of the second vehicle, who was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital as a precaution. They did not suffer any serious injuries.
The 17-year-old was also conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment before being taken into police custody.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Kennon said the incident was an alarming example of the dangers of reckless driving.
"It is appalling that a young driver made the conscious decision to flee from police and then drive on the wrong side of a major road, putting innocent members of the public at enormous risk.
"The fact that no one was seriously injured is incredibly fortunate. This type of behaviour has the potential to end in tragedy, and it is completely unacceptable."
"Our officers made the decision to terminate the pursuit when the risk to the public became too great. Despite that, the driver continued to endanger other road users, resulting in a head-on collision."
Investigations remain ongoing and the 17-year-old is expected to be charged with multiple offences including driving vehicle in danger manner and drive with prohibited drug in system.
