In a dramatic event in Darwin today, police fired a shot into the tyre of a vehicle during an attempted arrest, leading to the suspect pouring fuel over himself. The individual, identified as 33-year-old Frank Ingram, had previously struck a police officer with his car the day before.
Following the incident, authorities apprehended Mr. Ingram and are anticipated to file charges later this evening. This report may contain material some readers could find upsetting.
During the confrontation on a major road in Darwin, officers aimed to arrest Mr. Ingram for violating his parole conditions when he allegedly rammed his vehicle into an officer. NT Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley stated that the officer sustained no significant injuries but was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Mr. Ingram managed to escape the scene despite the police’s knowledge of his identity.
Assistant Commissioner Malley characterized Ingram as a violent offender with a known history, recalling a previous incident involving the suspect at a Hungry Jack’s restaurant where a plainclothes officer confronted him with a shotgun.
Earlier in the day, police urged the public via social media to remain vigilant for Mr. Ingram, advising against direct contact. Ingram’s earlier arrest occurred in 2023 at a fast-food location in Coolalinga, located in the rural outskirts of Darwin.
According to Assistant Commissioner Malley, Ingram was under surveillance and had been located in the suburb of Karama. However, he managed to evade capture by driving through a fence and was later seen driving recklessly through the northern suburbs of Darwin.
“He is a violent criminal,” Malley emphasized. “While we did not have information suggesting he was armed, we had to be prepared for any situation.”
Ingram was ultimately apprehended shortly before 3 PM today on Trower Road in Rapid Creek, near the intersection with Francis Street. “A tactical response officer discharged a 12-gauge shotgun into one of the vehicle’s front tyres to immobilize it,” Assistant Commissioner Malley explained.
Following the shot, Ingram retreated to the rear seat of the car and poured fuel over himself, prompting a negotiation that lasted approximately 15 minutes. Officers eventually breached the back window of the vehicle using fire extinguishers to extract him.
Although Ingram did not suffer any injuries, he was transported to the hospital for assessment. Police expect to file charges against him tonight. The assistant commissioner noted that as many as 40 officers were involved in the operation, including members of the Territory Response Group and the Fugitive Task Force.
