SOUTH-WEST Detectives have charged a 20-year-old Collie man Daniel Grazier in relation to an incident which landed a car in the Collie River on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Grazier and his partner were travelling north on Lynn Street, Collie, between noon and 1pm.
Mr Grazier was the passenger and the pair were arguing as the car was being driven beside the river when he allegedly took hold of the steering wheel and turned it, causing the vehicle to veer to the right.
The victim unsuccessfully attempted to correct the car’s direction.
“It appears the vehicle left the road, travelled down an embankment before becoming airborne and landing nose first into the Collie River,” according to a police statement.
The accused and the victim made their way back up the embankment where members of the public provided assistance.
Police charged Mr Grazier with attempt to murder and he appeared in the Bunbury Magistrates Court this morning.
His defence lawyers argued that Mr Grazier’s partner had taken her hands off the wheel while they were arguing and that Mr Grazier had tried to grab the wheel to try and correct the car’s direction.
The court also heard Mr Grazier had into the wreckage to pull his partner to safety. He has been remanded to face a magistrate on Monday.
Detectives are asking anyone who saw a green Hyundai in or around Collie on Tuesday — or who saw any incidents that appeared to be domestic related — to call Crime Stoppers.
They are also asking the occupants of a blue Daihatsu Charade with “P” plates, who were on Coombe Street at the intersection of Paul Road, to contact Crime Stoppers.
It is believed they may have information that could assist with this investigation.
A number of people are believed to have stopped to provide assistance at the crash scene, and are also asked to come forward, police said.
In particular they would like to speak with a man who was driving a white four-wheel-drive, possibly a Toyota Hilux.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.