A man who crashed a car on the median strip of Larapinta Drive in Alice Springs on Sunday morning trapping himself in the vehicle is believed to have been “assaulted with an edged weapon” before getting in the car, NT Police said.

The crash occurred around 6:30am on Larapinta Drive, roughly 100 metres from the intersection with Telegraph Terrace, with a male driver slamming into a tree on the median strip.

Police arrived on the scene and determined that he had “suffered injuries inconsistent with a crash”, adding that they believe he was assaulted with the edged weapon before entering the vehicle.

“Further investigations confirmed an assault had occurred at a location on Saltwell Street, with the 22-year-old offender known to the victim,” police media director Mark Wilton said.

Detectives from the regional crime unit are continuing their investigation to apprehend the alleged offender, Mr Wilton said.

The driver was taken to Alice Springs hospital in a serious condition.

“Police are urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference P26297171,” Mr Wilton said.

“Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://www.crimestoppersnt.com.au.”