Midland pursuit: Man faces court for 38 offences, stealing firearms, after police chase ends on Morrison Road

A man accused of leading police on a chase in a stolen Volkswagen Beetle before he collided with two police cars and an innocent driver has been charged with almost 40 offences. Axel Foley Barry Garlett-Exell — who is facing accusations he stole three guns — was spotted by police about 1.45pm on Wednesday after the red Beetle was observed at a service station on Goodwood Crescent, Ellenbrook. Police said it was stolen from a car dealership on Beechboro Road South, Bayswater, about 12pm on Wednesday. “Officers activated emergency lights and sirens calling on the accused to stop the vehicle, however; it will be alleged the accused failed to stop and accelerated away from police,” a police spokeswoman said. “The accused drove recklessly and at speed through several streets including; the Promenade, Millhouse Road, Egerton Drive, West Swan Road, Reid Highway, Roe Highway, Great Eastern Parade and Victoria Parade.” “During this time, the vehicle struck a curb causing a tyre to burst.” Dramatic vision obtained by The West Australian shows the Beetle crashing head on into another vehicle about 2pm before almost a dozen police cars surround the car on Morrison Road, Midland. At least six officers pin a man — believed to be the driver — to the ground. “Holy s..., this red car just crashed into the car in front of me,” a witness said. Police said a search of the car recovered three stolen firearms and a stolen mountain bike. The 25-year-old has since been charged with 38 offences, with 13 charges relating to the pursuit. The dates of his alleged offences range from January through to Wednesday, March 5. He is accused of stealing vehicles on six occasions while also driving recklessly to escape police and stealing the firearms. Bail was not considered when he faced Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on April 3.