Jeep plunges into Swan River after wild Perth standoff
<p>A tense morning in Perth's western suburbs exploded into high drama as a police standoff ended with a man deliberately driving a Jeep off Claremont Jetty and into the Swan River, following hours of chaos, confrontation and confusion.</p>
<p>The ordeal began around 9am local time (11am AEST), when a black Jeep was seen mounting the Claremont Jetty, its driver erratic and agitated. Within minutes, police had mobilised in force, positioning a squad car to block the only exit and deploying a full-scale response – including Tactical Response Group officers, police negotiators, the canine unit and a hovering police helicopter.</p>
<p>Witnesses described a surreal and frightening scene as the driver shouted at police and bystanders, repeatedly revved the engine, and exited the vehicle several times to yell defiantly.</p>
<p>“He was revving the car lots, shouting out at the police – I didn’t know what he was going to do,” said witness Cathy Greatrex. “Pretty scary, really.”</p>
<p>The man’s mother arrived on the jetty and was seen pleading with her son from behind the police cordon, while officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. Behind the scenes, police had laid down a stinger device and reinforced their blockade with tactical vehicles.</p>
<p>Tensions escalated just before midday when the Jeep suddenly lurched forward, ramming the parked police car and pushing it backwards, crumpling the front of the vehicle in a violent display of defiance.</p>
<p>Minutes later, the vehicle's rear wheel slipped off the jetty’s edge as the driver reversed. Seizing the moment, he accelerated again – this time with no turning back. In front of stunned onlookers and dozens of officers, the Jeep launched off the end of the jetty and plunged into the Swan River.</p>
<p>Within moments, officers rushed to the edge as the vehicle bobbed in the water, partially submerged. The man climbed onto the overturned Jeep before diving back into the water. Police with guns and Tasers drawn quickly surrounded the area.</p>
<p>The Tactical Response Group moved in swiftly, pulling the man from the water and carrying him to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital under police guard. Authorities confirmed that while his injuries were not believed to be serious, he remains under observation.</p>
<p>The motive for the dramatic standoff remains unclear. However, new CCTV footage from nearby Walter Street may offer some clues. Earlier that morning, the same Jeep was captured careening through a residential area.</p>
<p>“He literally just came right up, ramped up, knocked my green bin again and missed me – went down this concrete path,” resident Carina Robert said. “I just stood here with my jaw hanging on the ground, and then he turned the corner and there were almighty screeches tearing down the road.”</p>
<p>As night fell, questions lingered about what drove the man to such a reckless and dangerous act. No charges have been laid, and police continue to investigate the full circumstances leading up to the event.</p>
<p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>
