Never licensed driver charged with pursuit, drug offences at Lake Illawarra, NSW

A man has been charged after allegedly being found in possession of drugs, cash and a weapon following a pursuit with police near Wollongong last month.

About 1pm on Monday 27 April 2020, officers from Wollongong Police District responded to reports a man was armed with a firearm at a Towradgi address, north of Wollongong.

Upon arrival, a Toyota Camry was seen leaving the car park at high speed.

Shortly after, the Toyota was seen in Nolan Street, Berkeley, and a pursuit was initiated before being terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.

Police received information, the Toyota stopped on Southampton Street, before the driver was seen fleeing on foot. The vehicle rolled and came to rest against a telegraph pole.

Following a search of the Toyota, police allegedly located and seized cash, ‘ice’ and a flick knife.

Following extensive inquiries, officers from Southern Region Enforcement Squad with the assistance of Lake Illawarra Police District, attended a home on Northcliffe Drive, Wollongong about 2.30pm yesterday (Monday 4 May 2020).

A 36-year-old man was found hiding under a pile of clothes behind the lounge. He was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where he was charged with:

• police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly,

• never licensed person drive vehicle on road,

• supply prohibited drug,

• possess prohibited drug,

• drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous,

• deal with property proceeds of crime,

• custody of knife in public place,

• resist or hinder police officer in the execution of their duty.

He was refused bail and is due to face Wollongong Local Court today (Tuesday 5 May 2020).

A 42-year-old man and 44-year-old woman were also arrested at the home by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants. They were both refused bail and are due to face Wollongong Local Court today (Tuesday 5 May 2020).

/Public Release. View in full here.