Police arrest man after freeway pursuit

A Prospect man has been arrested following a police pursuit on the South-Eastern Freeway this morning, that ended when road spikes were used.

Just after 9am on Saturday 24 August, a police patrol was conducting speed detection duties on the SE Freeway at Littlehampton, when they detected a black Toyota sedan travelling east at a speed of 160km/h in a 110km/h zone.

The vehicle stopped and police spoke with the driver, but while the patrol was conducting licence checks, the driver took off in the Toyota speeding away from the patrol towards Murray Bridge.

The patrol attempted to pursue the black Toyota, but terminated the chase for safety reasons.

By chance the police helicopter PolAir was in the area and tracked the Toyota into Murray Bridge, but on sighting several patrol cars, the driver turned the car around and headed back onto the freeway back towards Adelaide.

PolAir continued to follow the black Toyota on the freeway at speeds of around 180km/h. Meanwhile assisting patrols set up road spikes ahead at St Ives between Callington and Mt Barker.

The black Toyota hit the road spikes, puncturing one tyre, with the vehicle stopping shortly after. The driver and only occupant ran from the vehicle climbing a grassy knoll, but PolAir remained overhead and directed patrols to the location where he was arrested.

The 32-year-old man has been charged with driving to evade police, driving at a speed dangerous to the public and drive while disqualified. His licence has been disqualified for six months and his car impounded for 28 days.

He has been bailed to appear in the Mt Barker Magistrates Court on 2 October.

There were no injuries or damage to any vehicle in the incident.

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