38-year-old man arrested following cross border pursuit

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after jumping into Lake Burley Griffin to evade police following a pursuit.

About 9am this morning (Tuesday, 8 April 2024), ACT Policing was notified of a pursuit by New South Wales Police Force involving a black Ford Ranger after the driver crossed the border on Canberra Avenue in Fyshwick.

The vehicle, which was towing a car trailer with a Toyota Hilux on it, crossed onto the opposite side of the road multiple times and drove on footpaths along the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin, placing other road users and pedestrians at significant risk.

The vehicle came to a stop behind the National Gallery near the Sculpture Garden, before the driver jumped into the lake and attempted to evade police.

Officers from AFP Tactical Response entered the water and escorted the 38-year-old man back to shore where he was arrested. He was subjected to a roadside drug test which returned a positive result for a prescribed drug.

A 35-year-old male passenger of the Ford Ranger is assisting with police enquiries. A search of the vehicle uncovered ammunition and a knife.

The 38-year-old man is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court later today.

ACT Policing’s Proactive Policing Team are investigating the incident and requesting anyone with footage of the Ford Ranger towing a Toyota Hilux in Fyshwick, Kingston, and Barton this morning, to come forward.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone with information is urged to provide their details via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number P2340936.

Text: ACT Policing