NSW police charge man over Shortland carjacking near Newcastle

A man has been charged following an alleged carjacking in Shortland near Newcastle.

About 2am yesterday (Sunday 4 August 2019), police responded to a carjacking of a red Hyundai I20 at Birrell Street, after two girls – aged 15 and 18 were allegedly assaulted and robbed.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District conducted an extensive search of the area which was unsuccessful.

About 11am (Sunday 4 August 2019), a Hyundai I20, allegedly involved in a carjacking at Shortland, was seen by police travelling along Awabakal Drive, Fletcher.

Two male passengers exited the vehicle and entered a home on Awabakal Drive.

The Hyundai continued travelling east on Minmi Road, Maryland.

An unmarked police vehicle sighted the vehicle on Minmi Road, and a police pursuit was initiated.

The 18-year-old male driver exited his vehicle after crashing into a blue Hyundai Elantra and was arrested.

The driver of the Hyundai Elantra was uninjured.

The 18-year-old Elrington man was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with aggravated robbery and inflict actual bodily harm, unlicensed driver, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, and take and drive conveyance without consent of the owner.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 5 August 2019).

/Public Release. View in full here.