Man arrested after evading police and threatening officers with axe, lighter and stick in Marangaroo stand-off

A police pursuit through Perth’s northern suburbs came to a dramatic end with a tense armed stand-off and arrest in Marangaroo on Sunday night. Police officers attempted to stop a Holden Cruze sedan at the intersection of Marangaroo Drive in Koondoola about 6.30pm. Police allege the 43-year-old driver, from Gnangara, failed to stop despite the activating lights and sirens. During the pursuit, it is alleged the driver breached a red traffic light at the intersection of The Avenue and was seen pouring a liquid substance from the driver’s side window while travelling through the area. The pursuit ended on Curtin Road in Marangaroo, where the vehicle came to a stop. After exiting the car, the suspect allegedly threatened police officers with an axe, a lighter and a large stick. No injuries were reported during the incident but the suspect was taken to hospital about 7pm as a precaution. He was not hurt. Police have charged the man with multiple offences including reckless driving to escape police, being armed in a way that may cause fear, failing to comply with a direction to stop with circumstances of aggravation, placing dangerous articles on a road, driving without authority as an alcohol offender, using an unlicensed vehicle on a road and breaching a bail undertaking. He is due to appear in Joondalup Magistrates Court on Monday.