Canberra, Australia — September 21, 2026: A police pursuit in Canberra ended in an unusual arrest after an 18-year-old man was allegedly found hiding inside a stormwater drain following a series of dangerous driving incidents, according to ACT Policing.

Police said the incident began on Sunday night, September 20, after they received a public report concerning an alleged road-rage incident on the Barton Highway involving a white Mitsubishi Lancer.

Officers later located the vehicle in Lyneham. Police attempted to stop the car, but investigators allege that the driver accelerated through a red traffic light rather than complying with the direction to stop.

Second attempt to stop the vehicle

At around 10:15 p.m., police said they located the same vehicle leaving an address in Ainslie.

Officers again attempted to pull the vehicle over. According to police, the driver failed to stop, prompting officers to begin a pursuit.

During the pursuit, police allege that the vehicle was driven without headlights and travelled on the wrong side of the road. Officers also reported that the car entered pedestrian footpaths in a residential area.

The vehicle’s tyres subsequently deflated, according to police.

The driver then allegedly abandoned the Mitsubishi and attempted to escape on foot.

Arrest inside a stormwater drain

Police said officers continued searching for the man and eventually located him inside a stormwater drain.

The suspect, an 18-year-old man from Goulburn, was arrested.

ACT Policing said the man was already subject to bail conditions at the time of the alleged incident.

Charges before Canberra court

The man is due to face the ACT Magistrates Court on September 21.

Police have charged him with alleged contravention of a family violence order, aggravated dangerous driving and failing to stop a motor vehicle for police.

The charges are allegations, and the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

Investigation continues

The incident highlights the risks that can arise when a driver allegedly refuses to stop for police and continues driving through residential areas.

Police have not indicated that the incident caused any reported injuries to members of the public in their initial statement.

Further details may emerge as the matter progresses through the ACT court system.

Key facts at a glance:

• Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
• Incident began: Around 9:15 p.m. on September 20
• Police pursuit: Around 10:15 p.m.
• Suspect: 18-year-old man from Goulburn
• Vehicle: White Mitsubishi Lancer
• Arrest location: Stormwater drain
• Court: ACT Magistrates Court
• Charges: Alleged aggravated dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and contravention of a family violence order
• Current status: Court proceedings pending