NSW police charge man after pursuit at Lake Macquarie 18 October

A man will appear in court today charged with driving offences following a pursuit in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.

About 3pm (Monday 17 October 2022), officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Highway Patrol were conducting patrols of the Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga north bound, when they noticed a Ford Focus XR5 exit the North Connex Tunnel.

Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle due to the manner of driving, however it is alleged the driver accelerated from police and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was terminated near the Hawkesbury River Bridge due to safety concerns.

The vehicle continued travelling north where it was involved in a collision with another vehicle on Manns Road at Gosford, where it failed to stop. No one was injured.

With assistance from PolAir, the vehicle was located, and road spikes were deployed twice, with success at Charlestown where the vehicle stopped.

The driver – a 32-year-old man – was arrested after a short foot pursuit and taken to Belmont Police Station.

A 28-year-old female passenger was also arrested and released pending further inquiries.

The man was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and unlawfully possess number plates.

He was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 18 October 2022).

/Public Release. View in full here.