By Lia Bichel
A COURAGEOUS Narre Warren policeman risked his life last week to stop a young offender in a stolen car and prevent a dangerous chase through peak-hour traffic.
Leading Senior Constable Stuart Pontil said he was at his desk on Wednesday last week when he was told that a young man had stolen goods from a local shopping centre and was driving a car in the area.
Sen Const. Pontil checked the car’s description on the computer, realised it was stolen, and got into a police car and set out to find it.
He spotted the vehicle turning into Narre Warren North Rd and pulling up to a red light leading to the Monash Freeway.
“It was about ten to six at night, and the traffic was busy,” Sen Const. Pontil said. “I didn’t want to get in a chase with him and put more people in danger. So I just did what I had to do, and I didn’t really think about it.”
He drove the police car in front of the stolen car, got out, reached through the open window and grabbed the driver.
“The male passenger was telling the driver to keep going, and I just thought, ‘oh oh, here we go’,” Sen Const. Pontil said.
“The driver reversed the car about three to four car lengths, hit a Toyota, then drove forward and hit the empty police car. I just kept hanging on to the driver.”
Sen Const. Pontil said he stopped the car by pulling a pair of scissors out of the ignition that were used to start the car. He walked away with minor injuries.
The 17-year-old driver from Belgrave was charged with stealing a vehicle, conduct endangering life, and driving and theft offences.
Two male passengers in the vehicle had run off but a 33-year-old from The Patch later found in the area is facing burglary and theft charges.
Police say they have identified a third man.
