Man charged after SUV crashes into gate of Russian consulate in Sydney
Driver arrested after vehicle plows into consulate gates in Woollahra; two officers treated for minor injuries
A man has been charged after an SUV drove into the gates of the Russian consulate in Sydney on Monday, police said.
Officers were called about 8 a.m. to the consular property in the eastern suburb of Woollahra after reports of an unauthorized vehicle parked in the driveway. Police attempted to speak to the driver, but the vehicle — a Toyota Kluger — struck the gates and came to rest on the lawn near a flagpole, a New South Wales Police statement said.
Two police officers sustained minor injuries and were treated by paramedics at the scene, police said. No other injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed from the consulate grounds about two hours after the collision.
A 39-year-old man arrested at the scene is due to appear in court on Tuesday on charges that include damaging property, possession of a knife and possession of a restricted substance. Police did not provide further details about the substance or say whether any other charges were being considered. Authorities also did not release information about a possible motive.
The Russian Embassy in Canberra issued a statement saying no one at the consulate was injured and that work at the mission continued as usual.
New South Wales Police and other emergency services attended the scene. Investigators have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, and the matter remains under investigation.
The incident comes amid heightened sensitivities around diplomatic premises, which are protected under international conventions and domestic laws. Australian authorities typically treat incidents involving foreign missions as matters requiring prompt investigation and liaison with the affected embassy.
The man arrested at the scene will face magistrates in Sydney as the case proceeds through the local court system, where police will be expected to present evidence supporting the charges filed.
This report is based on information released by New South Wales Police and a statement from the Russian Embassy in Canberra.