Man Charged, Machete Seized After Pursuit At Tamworth

A man has been charged following a police pursuit in the state’s north this morning.

Officer attached to Oxley Police District were patrolling in West Tamworth about 3.10am today (Friday 28 August 2026), when they saw a sedan allegedly being driven erratically and at high speed.

When the driver allegedly ignored a police direction to stop on Anne Street, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through Tamworth – including West Tamworth, South Tamworth and Hillvue – with the vehicle allegedly reaching speeds of up to 130km/h in signposted 50km/h speed zones.

Road spikes were deployed on Kent Street, South Tamworth; however, the vehicle continued on a deflated rear tyre. The vehicle stopped after driving through a park in West Tamworth and mounting a kerb on Kenny Drive.

Following a short pursuit on foot, police arrested a 19-year-old man, who allegedly resisted arrest.

When the man was searched police will allege they found a machete and $1300 cash in his possession.

He was subject to a roadside breath test, which returned a positive reading.

The man was taken to Tamworth Police Station for a secondary analysis which returned an alleged reading of 0.055.

He has been charged with five offences,

  • Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly
  • Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty
  • Custody of knife in public place – first offence
  • Drive with low range PCA, and
  • P2 driver exceed speed greater than 45 km/h – estimated.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Tamworth Local Court on Tuesday 22 September 2026.

/Public Release. View in full here.