A police probe is underway into whether a woman was chasing two teenagers who were riding an allegedly stolen motorcycle through Perth’s north before a fiery crash that left three people in hospital.
Key points:
- The fiery crash occurred in the early hours of Monday morning
- Three people were hospitalized after the incident, one in critical condition
- Police are investigating whether a woman involved was chasing two teenagers
The WA Police Commissioner today confirmed it formed part of the investigation into the crash, which happened at the intersection of Hepburn Avenue and Amalfi Drive on the border of Hillarys and Sorrento in the early morning hours of Monday.
A car and two off-road motorcycles were stolen in the early hours of Monday morning, according to police.
Shortly after, authorities were called to a major crash between a car and one of the motorbikes and an 18-year-old man riding the bike was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. A 17-year-old boy, who was also on the bike, was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
A 49-year-old woman driving a Toyota Kluger also suffered serious injuries in the crash, after her car rolled and caught fire.
Police commissioner Col Blanch said the focus of the investigation was specifically on finding out whether the woman was chasing the two teenagers.
He also confirmed the two bikes were from the same home the woman resided in.
“[The focus will be] how those motorcycles were stolen, who else was in company of the two males who are now in hospital and how the Toyota Kluger came to be there and the manner in which it was driven prior to the crash,” he said.
“I would give a strong message to the community that nothing is worth dying over when it comes to property,” he said.
“Often you’ll find the people who’ll put their lives at risk can result in tragedy for other members of the community, they themselves who are taking chase, and I’m not talking about this matter, I’m saying in general , members of the public that chase offenders in circumstances, we have seen it many times … these can end in tragedy for everyone involved, and my view as police is that it’s not worth it.
“Call the police.”
Mr Blanch said any further charges would be laid once evidence is found.
“We have strong oversight from the CCC [Corruption and Crime Commission] in all our investigations and when we have the evidence, we’ll make the appropriate decisions at that time,” he said.
The 17-year-old boy has been charged with three offenses including aggravated home burglary and stealing.
He appeared in court via a bedside hearing in hospital on Tuesday.
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