Steven James Hall in custody after alleged Albany Highway police pursuit ending in crash and carjack attempt

A man is in custody after allegedly sparking a lengthy police chase along Albany Highway that ended when he crashed into another car before trying to carjack others near Cranbrook on Sunday afternoon. Steven James Hall, 39, appeared in custody in Albany Magistrates Court on Monday, facing eight violence, traffic and drugs charges from his alleged crime spree. Mr Hall is charged with assault with intent to rob, assault with intent to prevent arrest of a person, possessing methylamphetamine, two counts of failing to comply with a direction to stop, two counts of reckless driving to escape police pursuit and failing to stop as the driver of a vehicle involved in an incident where property was damaged. He is alleged to have committed the offences on September 21 in Cranbrook, McKail, Narrikup and Tenterden. Det-Sgt Drew Reeder said the alleged crime spree began about 1.30pm when the offender, driving a BMW sedan, failed to stop for police after a traffic breach in McKail. Activating lights and sirens, officers pursued the vehicle along Albany Highway through Narrikup, Mt Barker and Kendenup, before deploying a stinger at the intersection of Cranbrook-Frankland Road. After the stinger successfully deflated the accused’s tyres, his vehicle travelled for about another 100m and hit a Honda SUV that was pulling over near the closed-off road. The female occupant of the car was uninjured, but her car sustained major damage. Police say that Mr Hall allegedly then drove for another 300m before coming to a stop in bushland, fleeing the vehicle on foot. He then allegedly attempted to gain entry to several other vehicles nearby to aid his escape — at least one of which was already occupied by a driver — before being arrested a short time later at about 2.30pm. “Police would like to thank members of the public for assisting police to ensure the safety of the community, including one off-duty doctor,” Det-Sgt Reeder said. The collision with the civilian’s Honda resulted in two crews from Mt Barker Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service attending the scene to clean up and make the area safe, which they did by about 3pm. St John WA transported Mr Hall to Albany Health Campus for treatment of injuries sustained in the incident. In a brief first appearance where he sported visible injuries, including bandaged cuts, Mr Hall spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charges. Defence lawyer Jamie Archer asked for a short adjournment and did not apply for bail on his client’s behalf. Mr Hall will next appear in Albany Magistrates Court on October 7 for legal advice. Police are conducting further inquiries and request anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperswa.com.au.