A man who allegedly did “significant burnouts” in an unregistered vehicle in the Launceston suburb of Riverside before speeding away from police has been charged.
Officers were called to Dion Crescent on Monday afternoon after reports a vehicle was doing burnouts and sending large amounts of smoke across the area.
Police allege the 35-year-old drove off “at speed” through several streets after the vehicle was spotted on Pomona Road.
He was later located at his home address and arrested.
The driver also allegedly returned a positive result for illegal drugs following a roadside oral fluid test.
Senior Constable Christopher Rockliff said the driver showed no regard for nearby residents.
He said the maroon Mitsubishi Pajero involved had not been registered for five years and had numerous defects.
“The behaviour of this individual – hooning in suburban residential streets – showed a complete disregard for the safety of the local community,” he said.
“Police take hooning offences seriously and will continue to actively investigate any reports of dangerous driving, seize vehicles and hold drivers to account.”
Hooning penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and up to three months in prison.
The man has been charged with hooning offences, evading police in aggravated circumstances, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving an unroadworthy vehicle.
He is expected to appear in court at a later date.
