Car cops joyride battering
A stolen police vehicle has been battered and broken after it was allegedly taken for a joyride in Boulder at the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The car was allegedly stolen by a 35-year-old Piccadilly man while unsuspecting officers were attending to an assault victim outside a Hannan Street bar in the early hours of Saturday morning.
After picking up a teenage girl, the driver allegedly proceeded to rampage through the streets of Boulder, ploughing through street signs and other objects before attempting to flee.
The dual cab Toyota Hilux was yesterday returned to Kalgoorlie Police Station, sporting broken headlights, dents in the front and side panels, and damage to the underside of the vehicle.
A police media spokeswoman said it was unclear how long the vehicle would be off the road.
Police were called to Maritana Street about 2.30am on Saturday, where a group of men were fighting outside a nearby bar.
Upon their arrival, the officers noticed an injured man lying on the ground as a result of the brawl.
It is understood the officers left the keys inside their vehicle in order to illuminate the injured man with the car's headlights.
While they were tending to the man, the 35-year-old allegedly entered the unlocked vehicle and drove away.
It is alleged the man drove the stolen police car down Boulder Road, where he picked up a 15-year-old Somerville girl.
The pair continued south into Boulder, where the man allegedly began to use the car to flatten street signs and other furniture.
Police discovered the stolen car driving on Keegan Street and began to follow it until the two occupants allegedly abandoned the vehicle on York Street.
It is alleged the pair attempted to flee but police arrested them both a short distance from where the vehicle was dumped.
The 35-year-old man has been charged with stealing a motor vehicle, reckless driving, failing to stop and no authority to drive.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Kalgoorlie Magistrate's Court tomorrow.
The 15-year-old girl has been charged with stealing a motor vehicle and is due to appear in the Kalgoorlie Children's Court on March 26. In relation to the initial fight which drew police to the Maritana Street bar, four men have been charged with disorderly behaviour in public and are all due to appear in the Kalgoorlie Magistrate's Court on March 23. The injured man suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
