Police chase in Murray Bridge ends in fireball, arrest
Plus officers arrest a man who allegedly robbed a service station, welcome international workers and more.
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Police have arrested a Murray Bridge man after a chase which ended with a car being destroyed by fire on the city’s riverfront on Sunday night.
Around 8pm, officers were cruising along Kepa Road on the east side, looking for a Holden ute which had been reported stolen in March.
As soon as they spotted it, the 35-year-old man allegedly jumped inside, drove through a fence and sped off.
A police helicopter was called in to follow the ute as it allegedly sped around Murray Bridge at high speed, and officers set up cordons at several locations.
They followed it down to the wharf and found it on fire beneath the rail bridge.
Firefighters were unable to keep it from being destroyed.
Meanwhile, police dog Arlo was called in to track the driver, who was found and arrested on Bridge Street a short time later.
The man was denied bail and expected to face court in Murray Bridge on Monday, charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, arson, hindering police and resisting arrest.
Anyone with more information about the theft or other crimes, including the ute’s possible use in suspicious activity, should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au, anonymously if needed.
Service station robber arrested
Meanwhile, police have also arrested a man believed to have been responsible for a service station robbery in Murray Bridge on Thursday night.
A man reportedly went into a servo on Adelaide Road around 7.30pm, threatened a female worker, stole cash and escaped on foot.
Police arrested a 25-year-old Murray Bridge man on Industry Road around 8pm, though not without a scuffle in which an officer received minor injuries.
The suspect was charged with aggravated robbery, assaulting police and resisting arrest, and denied bail ahead of a court appearance in Murray Bridge last Friday.
Witnesses or anyone who may have captured dashcam or CCTV footage on Thursday night can help with the investigation by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
Police welcome migrant workers to Australia
On a lighter note, officers from the Murray Mallee crime prevention team have made several visits to a major employer over the past month to help migrant workers adjust to life in Australia.
Worker briefings at Thomas Foods International have focused on topics including the road rules, personal safety and expected behaviour in this country.
Seven workers from Timor-Leste had a briefing last Thursday, less than 24 hours after arriving in Australia; and about 100 more from the Pacific Islands and South East Asia will get their own presentations over the coming weeks.
In a statement, SA Police said they were glad for the opportunity to foster a positive ongoing relationship between police and international workers, and to welcome them to the Murraylands.
New biker cops in training, maybe
Finally, members of the public have had a chance to chat with officers from SA Police’s traffic services branch, and even sit on a police motorbike, at a recent Coffee with a Cop event in Murray Bridge.
Local and visiting officers spoke about various matters at the most recent event, on Tuesday of last week.
There will be no Coffee with a Cop event in Murray Bridge in June; the next one will be at Murray Bridge Marketplace at 10.30am on July 7, with road safety officers and Jeff the Road Safety Dog.
