Police charge 23-year-old man after allegedly ramming police car and making threats with a knife in Katanning

A man who allegedly threatened a person with a knife before ramming a police car from behind in Katanning during the early hours of Monday morning has been charged. Taj Christopher Ward, 23, appeared via audio link from Royal Perth Hospital under police custody in Katanning Magistrates Court on Tuesday on two charges of threatened to kill and one charge of with intent to harm, omitted to do any act that it was the person’s duty to do or did any act as a result of which the life, health or safety of any person was or was likely to be endangered. The incident unfolded at about 12.50am on February 12 at the intersection of Richardson and Clive streets after police received reports a man was armed with a knife and making threats to a person at a nearby business. The offender, who was driving a white Holden Commodore sedan, continued to drive around in the area. Katanning police attended the scene and upon arrival in the area, the police vehicle was allegedly rammed from behind by the white Holden Commodore sedan. The driver was taken into custody by police and a search of his vehicle allegedly uncovered two knives. Officers from Narrogin police attended the incident under emergency conditions to provide backup for local police. The driver sustained injuries during the crash and was taken to Katanning Hospital in police custody just after 2am. He was later flown to Royal Perth Hospital by the Royal Flying Doctor Service where he received an MRI on his back. Mr Ward confirmed he was awake and aware of what was happening in his court appearance. Police prosecutor Sgt Phillip Milne opposed any bail application citing a history of incarceration for similar offences, ongoing inquiries into further charges, and a threat of danger to himself and others. Mr Ward said he would not make a formal bail application on Tuesday and objected to charges being listed in Katanning or Narrogin, requesting they be listed in Perth. All three of Mr Ward’s charges are strictly indictable. Mr Ward is next expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court via video link on February 20.