An intruder remains at large after allegedly forcing their way onto a Royal Australian Air Force base in Darwin, assaulting a defence force member, and fleeing in a stolen car. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the base in the suburb of Winnellie, prompting a multi-agency response and a police pursuit that was later abandoned.
Incident Details and Response
Defence confirmed in a statement that a person "unlawfully gained access" to the base. "RAAF Darwin security, the Joint Military Police Unit, Northern Territory Police and Australian Federal Police responded, and base lockdown procedures and protocols were implemented," defence said. "The individual allegedly assaulted a Defence Force member and proceeded to leave the base in a stolen vehicle."
The Northern Territory Police, who are leading the investigation, confirmed they responded to the incident at approximately 4:30pm on Monday. The offender was last seen travelling in the stolen car about 15km from the base.
Pursuit Called Off
Police reported that the vehicle was later sighted heading south on the Stuart Highway, and a pursuit was initiated. However, the chase was discontinued near Palmerston after officers lost sight of the vehicle. "The vehicle was later sighted travelling south on the Stuart Highway and a pursuit commenced, but was called off near Palmerston after police lost sight of the vehicle," police said in a statement. "Investigations are continuing."
Police stated that the offender has yet to be identified, but confirmed the stolen vehicle is a white Ford Ranger. The incident has raised concerns about security at military installations, though defence has not yet commented on any potential security review.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to search for the suspect and the stolen vehicle. The NT police are leading the investigation, with support from the Australian Federal Police and military police units. No further details about the condition of the assaulted defence member have been released at this time.
The pursuit was called off for safety reasons, and police are now appealing for any information from the public that could help locate the individual and the white Ford Ranger. The investigation remains active, and further updates are expected as new information becomes available.
