Stolen car hits Salvos building

A stolen vehicle slammed into the Salvation Army building in Kwinana after a police chase on May 25.

Police said a police car from Cottesloe spotted the vehicle driving at high speed on Calista Avenue, which prompted them to follow it onto Medina Avenue.

As the vehicle being pursued attempted to make a right turn into Hoyle Road, the driver hit amedian strip, losing control of the car, which sent it careening into an electrical switch box and sideswiping the length of the Salvation Army building, causing extensive damage.

Police said the driver got out of the car threatening officers with a metal baton.

They fired a Taser at the offender but the wire broke and he fled the scene.

Police gave chase on foot but the offender disappeared over a fence.

Sen-Sgt Trevor Troy said forensic evidence had been collected from the scene.

‘‘Items of clothing, gloves, and a metal baton were recovered from the vehicle and where they were dropped as the offender fled,’’ he said.

Sen-Sgt Troy said the vehicle was a black Holden Commodore, which had been stolen from a residential address in Bertram on May 20 and used in two previous burglaries.

The Cottesloe police car had travelled to the area on a separate investigation when its officers spotted the speeding Commodore.

Sen. Sgt Troy said a number of crimes in the Peel District were linked to offenders travelling to and from the Kwinana area.

He said motor vehicle, residential and commercial theft was up 17 per cent for the financial year to date.

The offender was last seen near Crabtree Way, Medina, wearing dark-grey tracksuit pants and a dark-grey hooded jacket.

He is described as being about 25 years old, of a slim to medium build, Caucasian, with black messy hair.

Anyone with information or who saw the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.