Driver involved in standoff on Claremont jetty had tyre iron during earlier armed robbery, WA police allege
A man who drove a car into a river following an hours-long stand-off with authorities had earlier stolen from a woman while armed with a tyre iron, police allege.
A red Jeep Wrangler was driven onto a jetty in Claremont — in Perth’s western suburbs — on Wednesday morning, with WA Police saying they “attempted to negotiate” with the driver before the vehicle accelerated into the water just before noon.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Man charged after car driven off Claremont jetty.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The driver escaped the sinking 4WD before climbing on top of its undercarriage where he sat for some time, talking with police.
The man was eventually taken into custody after diving into the Swan River where he was surrounded by police and pulled onto the jetty.
He was not injured.
“It will be alleged prior to the incident on the jetty, the man, while in possession of a tyre iron, approached a female inside a vehicle on Walter St in Claremont, and stole a personal item,” WA Police said.
A 32-year-old man from Bull Creek has been charged with armed robbery and criminal damage or destruction of property.
The latter charge relates to claims the man crashed his Jeep into a police vehicle that had been blocking the jetty exit.
Authorities allege the marked police car was left with “significant damage”.
No one was injured in the incident.
The accused has been discharged from Sir Charles Gairdner and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Originally published on 7NEWS
